Israel to purchase 25 American fighter jets, costing it three billion dollars

(Patria) - Israel has agreed to purchase 25 American F-35 fighter jets, the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed.

The ministry announced that this is the third squadron of Lockheed Martin fighter jets, which will be integrated into the Israeli armed forces.

The Israeli Air Force will have 75 of these 'invisible' aircraft at its disposal.

Delivery is expected to begin in 2028, with three to five aircraft per year. The aircraft will cost Israel around three billion dollars.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the procurement of the third F-35 squadron reflects the strength of the strategic partnership between Israel and the USA.

Amidst the heavy destruction of the Gaza Strip, there are regular international protests against American arms shipments to Israel.

Last month, US President Joe Biden threatened to suspend the delivery of certain types of weapons if Israel invaded densely populated urban centers in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, the Israeli armed forces have relied heavily on American weapons, reported the news portal Axios.

Gallant promised in a letter to the US government that American weapons would be used in accordance with international law.