Israel may halve second order of F-35 fighters -minister

Israel may soon order 10 to 15 US-made F-35 fighter jets, around half the number previously mentioned by defence sources in both countries, an Israeli cabinet minister said on Monday.

A reduced Israeli purchase could dent international confidence in the plane, which is being developed and built by Lockheed Martin Corp for the US military and allies - a US$399 billion (S$498.9 billion) endeavour that is the world's most expensive weapons programme.

Israel bought 19 F-35s for US$2.75 billion in 2010, with delivery scheduled between 2016 and 2018. Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, visiting the United States last month, agreed to a preliminary deal for 25 to 31 more planes subject to approval by an Israeli ministerial committee, sources said.

Read more