Israel’s Ministry of Defence has recently approved the purchase of a third fleet of F-35 stealth fighter jets, worth $3bn, to be financed through US military aid. This deal is set to bring the number of F-35 jets in the Israeli air force to 75, making it the only country in the Middle East to have the advanced weapon in its arsenal.

The F-35 is the world’s most advanced fighter jet, with a wide range of capabilities including intelligence gathering, deep strike capability, and air-to-air combat. It is also known as the Joint Strike Fighter and, in Israel, is referred to as Adir, or Mighty.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter, designed to be more survivable and maintain air superiority in combat. It has stealth technology, advanced avionics, and a powerful weapon system, making it one of the most capable fighter jets in the world.

The stealth fighter, which is manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has already been used in combat by Israel in May 2018. The F-35 has since been used in operations against Iranian targets in Syria, demonstrating its effectiveness in the region.

The US has declined to sell the F-35 to the United Arab Emirates, due to its ties to China. This has only further solidified Israel’s position as the only country in the Middle East to have the advanced weapon in its arsenal. The additional aircraft will be produced in cooperation with Israeli defence industries, creating jobs and economic development opportunities for the country.

The purchase also demonstrates the continued strong ties between Israel and the United States. The new fleet of F-35s will provide Israel with an unprecedented level of military superiority in the region, and further bolster its air force capabilities. The additional aircraft will help ensure the safety and security of the nation, as well as potentially deterring future attacks.