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Israel has been in talks with Washington on how one can protect its navy benefit after the Trump administration accepted a doable F-35 sale to the United Arab Emirates final yr. The aircraft was beforehand obtainable solely to Israel within the area.
“Without doubt, we need to expand the F-35 array. Right now we have two squadrons. I reckon we will expand that. That is what I requested of the Americans,” Defence Minister Benny Gantz informed Ynet TV.
“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 didn’t specify the variety of F-35s within the proposed new squadron. Defence officers have stated the 2 squadrons already ordered by Israel consist of fifty planes.
Gantz’s coalition authorities with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu fell aside final month, triggering a March 23 poll. Both males stay of their posts till a brand new authorities is fashioned after the poll.
Asked if Israel may full a defence procurement take care of the United States earlier than Trump steps down, he stated: “I hope so. I think the defence budget needs to be handled properly, to be safeguarded. It is a kind of active insurance policy.”
The F-35 is made by Lockheed Martin Corp and the F-15 by Boeing Co.
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