Israel is currently the only operator of the F-35 fifth-generation fighter jet in the Middle East (for various reasons, the US has refused to sell its prized F-35 to other countries in the region ). Israel was not part of the international coalition that took part in investing and developing the F-35 , but it was the first country to select the F-35 through the US government's Foreign Military Sales process in October 2010. Israel intends to purchase 75 F-35s.
Israel has purchased 75 F-35s In the Israeli Air Force (IAF), the F-35 is given the Hebrew name 'Adir' meaning 'Mighty One.' Israel signed the Letter of Intent in 2010, and the first F-35 arrived on June 22, 2016. The Israeli F-35 fleet was one of the first to be declared operationally capable (in December 2017) and Israel was the first to use them in combat.
In June 2024, Israel announced it would purchase 25 more F-35 fighter jets (in addition to the 50 already ordered). This brings the total to 75 F-35A Lightning IIs. Israel also announced it was purchasing more F-15EX Strike Eagle IIs from the United States - the total contract was valued at $3 billion (financed through US military aid to Israel).
This will provide Israel with a third F-35 fighter jet squadron. Israeli's F-35I fighter jets: Israeli's variant: F-35I Adir (customized F-35A) Number ordered: 75 Number delivered: 39 Operational date: December 2017 Number of squadrons: 3 (eventually) Main air base: Nevatim Air Base Israel has so far received 39 of the ori.
