FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The deal, approved by Israel's Ministerial Procurement Committee, is the first step in a plan worth around 100 billion euros to strengthen the Israeli military...
Israel has approved the purchase of two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from US companies Lockheed Martin and Boeing, a deal worth tens of billions of euros, the Israeli Defense Ministry announced today.
The deal, approved by Israel's Ministerial Procurement Committee, is the first step in a 350 billion shekel (about 100 billion euros) plan to strengthen the Israeli military and "preparation for a difficult decade for Israeli security," the ministry said.
The Israeli Defense Ministry added that the new squadrons will be the cornerstone for the long-term development of the country's military forces, combating regional threats and maintaining Israel's strategic air superiority.
"Along with the immediate wartime supply needs, we have a responsibility to act now to ensure the IDF's military advantage ten years from now," said the ministry's director general, Amir Baram.
The recent war with Iran "clearly demonstrated how critical the US-Israeli strategic relationship is and how vital air power remains," Baram added.
Under the agreement, Israel will purchase a fourth squadron of F-35 aircraft from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft from Boeing.
Baram noted that the next step is to finalize agreements with the US government.
Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said the war with Iran demonstrated the strength of the country's Air Force and its crucial role in defending Israel.
"The lessons from this campaign require us to continue advancing the development of forces to ensure air superiority for decades to come," he said, adding "our mission is clear: to ensure that the IDF has the means, capabilities and power to operate anywhere, anytime."
"We will continue to invest, become stronger, and stay ahead of our enemies - to keep Israel safe today and in the future," he concluded.
Lini një Përgjigje