The U.S. approved the sale of F-35 fighter jets on Thursday in response to the increased Iranian attacks on Gulf nations and American bases they house. The Jerusalem Post reports that Israel, to maintain an operational advantage in the region, will ask to purchase a new air defense system – the details of which are classified.
A source familiar with the details told Walla that the IDF would prefer that no other country in the Middle East receive the stealth fighter, in order to preserve Israel’s qualitative operational advantage. However, the source stressed that even if the deal is signed soon, Saudi Arabia would receive its first aircraft only in five years.
Walla was also told that Israel continues to hold a clear operational advantage over other countries that have purchased the aircraft from the United States. That advantage stems not only from the extensive operational experience accumulated by the Israel Air Force and its pilots over the past three years, but also from Israeli-made weapons systems that Israel has received approval to integrate into its Adir aircraft, the Israeli version of the F-35.
Israel also operates an Adir test aircraft used to develop advanced capabilities for the fighter. The United States, for example, does not operate an aircraft of this type.
Israeli officials aren’t just interested in purchasing weapons and defense systems – they plan to help develop and produce them. Notable examples of projects between Israel and the U.S. include missile interceptors and even systems that can operate in space.
We praise God for the partnership between Israel and the U.S. in defending the core values of democracy and liberty. Even as the Holy Land remains prepared to defend itself against any threats, we also pray that these weapons will ultimately not have to be used, and that shalom, peace, will shine over Israel and the Middle East.