The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a contract with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, for the development of an extended-range capability for the F-35 “Adir” fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin. The deal, valued at over $34 million (over NIS 100 million), covers the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16. The new capability is expected to extend the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and enhance operational flexibility across long-range missions. This contract is part of the IMOD’s broader force buildup strategy, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, to strengthen Israel’s readiness for an intense security decade ahead and maintain the country’s aerial and strategic superiority in the region.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II Israeli procurement is the result of an agreement for the government of Israel to purchase the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II for the Israeli Air Force as the F-35I “Adir. The first nine F-35s became operational with the Israeli Air Force in December 2017. On 22 May 2018, Israeli Air Force commander, Major General Amikam Norkin, reported that Israel had become the first country in the world to use the F-35 in combat. They were also used in the Gaza war. In November 2020, an F-35I testbed aircraft was delivered. This was the only example of a testbed F-35 delivered to an air force outside of the United States. As of 13 November 2022, the Israeli Air Force had 36 F-35s in service, including the testbed stationed at the Flight Test Center at Tel Nof Airbase, and operated three squadrons at Nevatim Airbase – the 140th, 116th and 117th.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, supersonic stealth strike fighters. A multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority and strike missions, it also has electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor, with partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing F-35B, and the catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery F-35C. With 883 aircraft in service as of 2025, it is the world’s fourth-most-numerous military aircraft, and most-numerous stealth aircraft.
Elbit Systems Ltd. is an Israel-based international military technology company and defense contractor. Founded in 1966 by Elron, Elbit Systems is the primary provider of the Israeli military’s land-based equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is an important company within the defense industry of Israel. Elbit Systems also has subsidiary factories around the world, and sells its products to various countries’ militaries. At its subsidiary factories, especially in the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany, the company has faced protests for its support of the Israeli military in the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The company has also been divested from by international investment firms due to its involvement in the conflict. Elbit Systems’ shares are traded on the Tel Aviv and Nasdaq stock exchanges.
