Israel acquiring 25 F-35 fighter jets amidst tensions in Syria

WEB DESK: Israel has approved the purchase of a third squadron of advanced F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin in a deal worth $3 billion, according to a statement from the Israeli defence ministry. The acquisition of 25 new F-35 jets will expand Israel’s fleet of the aircraft to 75, reinforcing its position as the only country in the Middle East with F-35s, the world’s most advanced stealth fighter.

The F-35s, capable of intelligence gathering, deep strikes and air duels, will be financed through United States military aid funds received by Israel. The deal is expected to be signed in the coming months and will ensure the continuation of cooperation between American companies and Israeli defence industries in the production of aircraft parts.

Israel has been using F-35s in active combat since May 2018 and has launched hundreds of air raids on Syrian territory during the country’s years of war.

According to a report by the Syrian Observer, the Israeli Air Force conducted airstrikes near the central Syrian city of Homs just yesterday while its military conducted strikes on other targets, without providing further details.

These developments highlight the ongoing tensions in the region and the strategic leverage that the US provision of the F-35 fighter jets will give to Israel, a country notorious for regular human rights violations in the region.