Israel signed a $3 billion deal with Lockheed Martin for 25 F-35 jets, said Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, strengthening ties with the US amid regional tensions.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Tuesday that Israel had signed a new $3 billion contract with Lockheed Martin for 25 F-35 fighter fighters. "At a time when some of our adversaries aim to undermine our ties with our greatest ally, we only further strengthen our alliance," Gallant said.

"This sends a powerful message to our enemies across the region," he said. The Israeli Air Force will now have a third squadron of these cutting-edge stealth fighters in its inventory.

"The delivery of the aircraft to the IDF (army) will commence in 2028 at a rate of three to five aircraft per year," the defense ministry specified in a statement.

This will eventually result in the deal being fulfilled, increasing Israel's fleet to 75 F-35s. Israel continues to be the only Middle Eastern nation in possession of them. The...