Israel hoping for last-minute F-35s from Trump administration
Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said additional F-15 purchases may follow the procurement of a third F-35 squadron.
Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Monday said his government hopes to purchase a third squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft from the United States before President Donald Trump leaves office on Jan. 20.
“Without a doubt, we need to expand the F-35 array,” Gantz told Israel’s YNet television. “Right now, we have two squadrons. I reckon we will expand that. That is what I requested of the Americans,” he said.
Israel previously signed contracts to purchase 50 F-35s with plans for 25 more. It is the only country in the Middle East to possess Lockheed Martin’s fifth-generation fighter.
“I would buy another F-35 squadron and then examine what to do with the balance: continuing to expand the F-35 [procurement], going for F-15s?” Gantz said Monday.
