JERUSALEM (CNN) — Israel signed a contract to buy 52 F-16I fighter-bombers — one of the most advanced fighter-bombers in the world — from the U.S. firm of Lockheed Martin, Israel’s Defense Ministry said Friday.
The newest planes are in addition to the 50 F-16 aircraft that Israel ordered in January 2000 and are an option to that order, Lockheed said. Israel has the largest fleet of F-16s outside the United States, the company said.
This agreement follows the June announcement at the Paris Air Show of Israel’s intent to exercise an option for more F-16s.
The agreement covers aircraft, logistics support and training, and U.S. government program management and services for a total value of $2 billion.
“Israel’s sixth acquisition of F-16s demonstrates their continued confidence in the F-16I to satisfy their future defense needs,” said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.
The Jerusalem Post reported that a public competition held by the Israeli Air Force recently chose the name “Sufa,” or storm, for the new plane.
The final assembly of the F-16Is will take place at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth, Texas, facility.
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September 7, 2001 at 7:59 pm