Translate

Dec 1, 2014

Israel will buy 17 F-35 in 2017

Israel will stagger the purchase of its second batch of 31 U.S.-made F-35 fighter jets over the next three years.
Under a compromise plan approved by the ministerial committee, Israel will buy 14 of the aircraft now and another 17 in 2017. The second stage of the purchase will be subject to another vote of approval nearer the time.
Israel bought 19 F-35s, with delivery scheduled between 2016 and 2018. The new purchase will bring the number of the planes in Israel's inventory to 50, or two squadrons. Under the 2010 deal, it has an option to order an additional squadron's worth.
Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon reached a preliminary agreement on the 31 F-35s during a visit to Washington last month, but met opposition from some Israeli ministers who voiced misgivings about the jet's high cost and untested capabilities.
A reduced Israeli purchase could have dented international confidence in the plane.
reuters

No comments:

Post a Comment