Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak on Sunday approved the Israeli Air Force’s request to purchase the F-35 strike fighter, according to press reports. The next step is for the Israeli cabinet to sign off on the acquisition. Back in September 2008, the US approved the sale of up to 75 F-35s to Israel. Initially the Israelis were expected to buy 25 aircraft in the first batch. However, the US ally is now expected to acquire about 20 initially, with deliveries starting in late 2015. The Jerusalem Post reported that, due to cost issues, those first 20-some aircraft will be configured like the standard US version. But latter F-35s batches will be designed according to Israeli specifications and include Israeli-made systems. This news comes just one week after the Obama Administration’s plans to sell Saudi Arabia 84 advanced F-15 fighters surfaced. (See also AFP report)
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
