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Israel, US finalize F-35 stealth fighter purchase
The purchase of U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighters ushers in a new era in Israel's ability to face security challenges, both near and far, a top Israeli security official said at a ceremony Thursday which finalized Israel's purchase of its first batch of advanced fighter jets.
Under the contract signed in New York on Thursday by Ehud Shani, director general of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Israel will get 20 of the warplanes for nearly $3 billion and will receive the jets in 2016. It has an option for 75 more.
Speaking at the New York ceremony, Shani said the singing represented "an historic event and a new era in Israel's military might in the face of challenges both near and far," in what could be construed as a reference to the role the advanced fighters could have in a potential strike of Iran's nuclear facilities.
The warplanes would be capable of reaching Iran undetected by radar.Shani also said that the newly signed deal was "another expression of [Israel's] strategic alliance with the United States and its commitment to maintain Israel's military edge," indicating that "Israel intends to purchase more stealth squadrons. There's a reason the option to buy more planes is in place."