Israel has approved the purchase of a third squadron of F-35 fighter jets in a $3 billion contract, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday, Reuters reported.

The 25 additional aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin will bring the number of F-35s in Israel’s air force to 75, the ministry said, adding that the contract will be financed by a defense aid package Israel received from the United States. side.

Israel became the first country after the United States to purchase F-35 stealth fighter jets.

In May 2018, its air force announced that Israel had become the first country to use the device in combat.

The F-35 is also known as the Joint Strike Fighter, and in Israel under the Hebrew name “Adir”.

Lockheed Martin and the American engine manufacturer Pratt&Whitney agreed on the involvement of Israeli defense companies in the production of components for the aerospace industry, the Israeli ministry also recalled. (Agerpress)