Israel to procure helicopters from Lockheed Martin, Boeing

Tel Aviv earlier procured F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters from the US, which are capable of striking ground targets from afar while remaining undetected by air defences.

Israel has repeatedly hinted that it might take action against Iran if it considers the Iranian nuclear programme an imminent threat to the country.

Israel has signed a deal with the US government to buy military aircraft worth $3.1 billion from two American defence giants – Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The Israeli Defence Ministry said that the deal includes two Boeing KC-46 refuelling planes and 12 Lockheed Martin Corp CH-53K cargo helicopters. The deal also includes an option to buy extra six CH-53K helicopters.

According to the ministry, the deal is seen as an upgrade of the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities. The first Boeing KC-46 air tankers will arrive in 2025, while the first CH-53K helicopters will be delivered to Israel in 2026.