Israel to Extend F-35I Range Amid War with Iran
Elbit Systems received a $34 million contract to adapt external fuel tanks for the Israeli Air Force’s stealth fighter fleet.
- On Thursday, The Defence Ministry announced a contract worth approximately $34 million with Cyclone, an Elbit Systems subsidiary, to develop extended-range capabilities for the F-35I Adir fighter jet.
- Following the Israeli Air Force's "Lion's Roar" operation in Iran, the ministry stated the upgrade will "reduce reliance on aerial refuelling" and enhance operational flexibility across long-range missions.
- Engineers will adapt external fuel tanks based on the F-16I Sufa design, which has a reported range of approximately 1,300 miles, compared to the base F-35A model's current 1,200-mile range.
- Israel currently operates 50 F-35I aircraft across two squadrons and is negotiating to purchase 25 more, a move that would expand the total fleet to 100 jets.
- The contract comes amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, though regional tensions remain high following recent strikes and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Israel to extend F-35 flight range in push to build up military force
Israel is expected to increase defense spending over the next decade by roughly $95 billion. By Ailin Vilches Arguello, The Algemeiner Amid a multi-front conflict and a broader drive to bolster its military capabilities, Israel has signed a new contract with Elbit Systems subsidiary Cyclone to develop an extended-range capability for the F-35 Lightning II, marking its latest effort to extend the aircraft’s operational reach and endurance. On Thu…
Israel Signs $34 Million Deal To Equip F-35 With External Fuel Tanks, A First For The Stealth Jet
Israel’s Defense Ministry has signed a $34 million contract with Elbit Systems subsidiary Cyclone to develop external fuel tanks for the F-35 “Adir” fighter jet, in what is believed to be the first time the stealth aircraft will be fitted with such tanks anywhere in the world. The deal, worth over NIS 100 million, was […]
Israel to extend F-35I range amid war with Iran
JERUSALEM — Israel will develop a system for extending the range of its F-35I ‘Adir’ fighter jets, Israel’s defense ministry announced May 14.Officials didn’t specify a target range for the upgraded aircraft. The F-35A — the model on which the Israeli version is based — currently has a range of 1,200 miles, as stated on the manufacturer’s website.But the ministry mentioned that the development and implementation will involve adapting external fu…
Israel says it inks $35m deal 'to extend F-35 fighter jet range' amid Iran war
Israel announced on Thursday the signing of a contract worth more than $34 million to develop “an extended-range” capability for the F-35 Adir fighter jet. The Defence Ministry said in a statement that its Defence Procurement Directorate signed the deal with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems. The agreement covers “the development of an extended-range capability for the F-35 ‘Adir’ fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin,” …
Israel Signs $34M Deal to Boost F-35I Stealth Fighter Range
JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Israel’s Defense Ministry has signed a contract with an Elbit Systems subsidiary to develop and integrate external fuel tanks for the Israeli Air Force’s F-35I fighter jets, significantly extending their operational reach. The $34 million (NIS 100 million) deal with Cyclone will adapt a fuel tank design the company previously developed for […]
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