Israel’s Air Force will purchase 25 F-35 joint strike fighter jets after the Pentagon approved the sale paving the way for the deal. Israel Radio first reported the deal on Tuesday evening. The deal is reportedly valued at $15.2 billion and provides the option to purchase an additional 50 additional bombers in the coming years. According to reports the estimated value of each plane is between $70 million and $80 million and Israel’s Air Force will equip each plane with a F-135 or F136 engine.Pentagon officials reportedly approved the sale saying it was essential to America’s interests and ensured that Israel maintained its fighting edge over armies in neighboring countries.After the Pentagon gave its approval on the deal the US Congress is expected to add its seal of approval within 30 days, prior to the upcoming US presidential elections. Thomas J. Jurkowsky, spokesman for the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, which manufactures the fighter jets, reportedly said that the deal would be the first international sale of the F-35 and was a significant first step in expanding the group of countries using the fighter jet outside the US. Eight countries - including Britain, Turkey and Australia - are members of the Joint Strike Fighters (JSF). Israel enjoys the status of a Security Cooperation Participant after paying $20m. in 2003 to obtain access to information accumulated during the development of the jet.
Already in September 2007, the IDF announced its intention to purchase up to 100 JSF fighter jets over the next decade. In addition to the request for the JSF, Israel also asked the Pentagon to buy three to five C-130 Hercules transport aircraft to begin replacing its aging fleet. 10/01/08
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