Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands in front of an F-35 stealth fighter at the IAF’s Nevatim base, July 9, 2019. Photo: Amos Ben Gershom / GPO.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense on Sunday announced that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has approved the procurement of a third squadron of US-made F-35 multirole combat aircraft.

The purchase of the advanced stealth fighters will expand Israel’s F-35 fleet by 50%, eventually rising to 75 jets.

Israel is currently the only Middle Eastern operator of the F-35, which in Israel is called the “Adir” – “the Mighty One.” The United Arab Emirates signed a $23 billion deal with the Trump administration to buy F-35s, Reaper drones, and other military equipment, but those transfers were blocked by the Biden administration. Qatar has also formally made a request to purchase F-35s.

Media reports suggest that Israel has already used the F-35 to test Iran’s radar capabilities. The Israeli Air Force has also conducted drills simulating an air strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Following Sunday’s announcement, the Israeli MoD’s US Mission will now issue an official letter of request to the F-35 Lightning II Joint Program Office in Virginia.

The $3 billion deal will be financed by the annual US military aid package to Israel, which currently stands at $3.3 billion per year.

The Israeli Ministry Defense added that the new agreement would ensure the continuation of cooperation between America and Israel in aircraft production.