The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is leaning towards the acquisition of a third squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters (JSFs), Janes has learned. The new jets would probably be based at Tel Nof Air Force Base, south of Tel Aviv. The IAF has so far ordered 50 F-35Is (Israeli versions of the F-35 A conventional take-off and landing JSF variant) for two squadrons, both based at Neva-tim Air Force Base in southern Israel. Lockheed Martin is producing about six F-35Is a year, with 27 expected to be delivered by the end of this year. The IAF was weighing a possible third squadron against more advanced F-15s that can carry heavier payloads. Israeli media reports in February said that IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Aviv Kochavi would seek approval for the purchase of both a third F-35 squadron and a squadron of advanced F-15s. The final decision has to be approved by the Israeli cabinet and its Acquisitions Committee.
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