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Israel signs contract to buy F35s
NEW YORK — The US and Israeli governments signed an agreement Thursday for Israel’s purchase of a squadron of 20 American-made F-35 stealth fighter jets that have the capability of reaching Iran undetected by radar.

Ministry of Defense Director-General Ehud Shani said at a signing ceremony at the Israeli consulate here that the jets would shift the balance of power in the Middle East, strengthening Israel’s ability to defend its borders or counter with its own attack.

“In the region there are a lot of problems and challenges, and part of the solution are military capabilities,” he said.

There was no immediate response to messages left with Iranian officials in Tehran and with Iran’s UN Mission in New York on Thursday.
They were too busy dry-cleaning their suit pants ...
“This is a very important step toward ensuring a free and secure Israel,” said US Navy Vice Admiral David J. Venlet, the executive military officer who oversees the F-35 Lightning II Program. The signing ceremony was attended by US military and other officials.

Israel has hinted it might take military action if international efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear program fail. “Iran is a problem for all of the democratic and free world,” Shani said. “One of the answers is the F-35.”

Officials said Thursday the deal — seven years in the making — includes the purchase of 20 of the jets at a cost of nearly $2.75 billion. The aircraft will be adapted to Israeli technical specifications and delivery is expected between 2015 and 2017.
Let's hope the Juice take care of the Mad Mullahs™ before that ...
The Israelis have an option to purchase 55 more of the aircraft after that, and Shani said Israel intends to do that.

Israel’s embassy in Washington released a statement Thursday calling the F-35 the most advanced fighter jet in the world and one that will “enhance Israel’s ability to defend itself, by itself, against any threat or combination of threats, from anywhere within the Middle East.”
Posted by: Steve White 2010-10-09
http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=307255