(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The U.S Department of Defense (Pentagon) have provided Israel with “mission data files” containing detailed information on targets in the Gaza Strip to assist the Israeli Air Force’s fleet of fifth-generation fighter jets.
The F-35, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, is also utilized by the Israeli Air Force with some unique technical upgrades compared to F-35s used by other countries. Israel’s F-35 is designated F-35I “Adir” (Hebrew for the Mighty One).
Following the conflict with Hamas that erupted on October 7, the U.S. Department of Defense provided Israel with “mission data files,” described as the “brain” of fighter aircraft, containing detailed and comprehensive data about threats and targets.
Senior officials from the U.S. Department of Defense also stated that undisclosed “capabilities” were added to the F-35s in a short period.
“The Joint Program Office (JPO) for the F-35 has moved quickly to support our closest allies in the Middle East, namely Israel. They have done so by accelerating the weapon capabilities and spare parts supplies for the F-35,” said Representative Rob Wittman of Virginia, as quoted by the country’s defense media.
In July, Israel confirmed its agreement to spend $3 billion (RM13.5 billion) to add another 25 more F-35 fighter jets to its air force, bringing the total number of fifth-generation fighter jets in its possession to 75.
At present, the Israeli Air Force owns 50 F-35I “Adir” aircraft.
Israel is the only user of the F-35 authorized by the United States to modify the fighter jets to suit its needs.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the United States remains the largest provider of military aid to Israel in its conflict with Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip.
The ministry stated that since the outbreak of the conflict on October 7, the United States has sent 10,000 tons of weaponry to Israel.
During the three-month conflict in Gaza, around 200 military cargo flights from the United States landed in Israel, carrying various types of bombs and guided munitions to support Israel’s intense attacks on the Palestinian population.
This does not include cargo ships delivering supplies to Israel, including armored vehicles, ammunition, and medical supplies from specified ports in the United States.
Among the crucial weaponry provided by the United States are “Tamir” missiles used by Israel’s “Iron Dome” air defense system, and 2,000 “bunker buster” bombs to penetrate underground tunnels used by Palestinian fighters in the Gaza Strip.
Since the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, the United States is reported to have supplied various types of weaponry to the Jewish country, estimated to be worth $130 billion (RM585 billion), with the aim of strengthening its military against surrounding Arab nations.
Three months of Israel’s brutal military operation in Gaza have claimed nearly 19,000 Palestinian lives, mostly women and children. — DSA
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