Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-fighter-jets-f35-f15ia-b2969668.html
Israel's defence ministry has approved the purchase of two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The multi-billion dollar deal was announced on Sunday.Sanctioned by Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement, this acquisition is the first phase of a 350 billion shekel (£119 billion) plan. It aims to bolster the military and "strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security," the ministry added.These squadrons will form a cornerstone of long-term force development, addressing regional threats and preserving Israel’s strategic air superiority."Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ten years from now and beyond," said ministry director general Amir Baram, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.The recent war with Iran "reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains," he added.Under the deal, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing.In December, Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for Israel including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.A F-35 fighter jet flies during a graduation ceremony for Israeli Air Force pilots at Hatzerim Airbase, in southern Israel, June 29, 2023 (Reuters)Baram said the next step would be to move forward with finalizing the agreements with the U.S. government and military counterparts.The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8. The U.S. Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Iranian conflict demonstrated the air force's power and its decisive role in protecting Israel."The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come," he said.Israeli aircraft have also attacked Iranian-backed Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel.Katz said the new aircraft would lead to a significant technological leap in integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance in space."Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time," Katz said. "We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies - to keep Israel secure today and in the future."
Archived URL: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/israel-fighter-jets-f35-f15ia-b2969668.html
�� CONTENT HASHES:
SHA-256: 4a1dc227aa9659ac1264fc09f9e0115ed3781611b84fdf1c3df4d1ab6a3f78a5
BLAKE2b: a6089f3b1f6cc797d3424016bb69e59ad9db092fd947f25e52d808e8b71b3dd4
MD5: 0b08f5eb73f3b73307c14eab19e35913
�� TITLE HASHES:
SHA-256: 1eb3c039c4510ba9600c6a4c4cb63ee9c7ef1e5e13e6a6484e9017f2037c06a0
BLAKE2b: c54a8cb9c06b9259d1920408a08951ace6624dafbe7d65d5547699637a43a8fb
MD5: 1c6ca371e816f32182ed460d6ff670e4
�� INTEGRITY HASHES:
SHA-256: 75beb19d76621824a5b8d335b56a4f8b20d16a58df37ca2ac4c97f4f5264d7a4
BLAKE2b: 04be3bbc0342d60e6675bf9b534a37c9bafa4236c3f7a54d5427b54258899808
MD5: ed2eeb77d0a429de5a760b5c207fe40f
Archived with ArcHive - Client-side cryptographic archival system