The US and Israel on Wednesday signed the largest bilateral pledge for American military aid in US history, increasing aid to allow Israel greater flexibility for purchasing new hardware. The pledge, which goes into effect in Fiscal 2019, totals $38 billion at a rate of $3.8 billion per year. The current memorandum of understanding is for $3.1 billion per year. The agreement includes $500 million for missile defense funding. The increase will give Israel more money to upgrade its military infrastructure and aircraft fleet. Israel already has signed on for 33 F-35As with the first scheduled to be delivered in June.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
