$2.75b F-35 purchase approved

Netanyahu: Buying the world's most modern combat aircraft is a significant step in reinforcing the State of Israel's military power.

The ministerial defense committee, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Ehud Barak, has decided to confirm the deal to buy 20 F35 Lightning II stealth combat aircraft, at a price of $2.75 billion, or $96 million each. Approval in principle for the purchase was given a month ago.

Commander on Chief o the Israel Air Force Ido Nehoshtan, Chief of Staff Gabi Ashkenazi, and the director general of the Ministry of Defense, General (res.) Udi Shani, participated in the discussion.

Delivery of the aircraft will begin in 2015, and will continue for two years. The deal includes spare parts, maintenance costs, and simulators. The deal will be financed entirely by US military aid.

The staff work that led up to the decision to purchase the aircraft included participation by Israeli defense companies in the manufacture of the aircraft to the tune of billions of dollars, and integration of Israeli systems in them.

The prime minister said that "buying the world's most modern combat aircraft is a significant step in reinforcing the Sate of Israel's military power."

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 16, 2010

© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2010

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