Israel today announced the signing of a contract worth more than $34 million to develop extended-range capabilities for the F-35 Adir fighter jet, reports Anadolu.

The Ministry of Defense said in a statement that its Defense Procurement Directorate signed the agreement with Cyclone, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems.

“The agreement covers the development of an extended-range capability.” action for the F-35 ‘Adir’ fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin,” the statement added.

“The deal worth more than $34 million covers the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing ‘Cyclone’ design originally developed for the F-16,” it said.

The new capability is expected to extend the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling and increase operational flexibility in long-range missions, the ministry said.

The agreement comes amid regional tensions, which have escalated since the US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, prompting retaliation by Tehran against Israel as well as US allies in the Persian Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

A ceasefire took effect on 8 April through Pakistani mediation, but talks in Islamabad failed to produce lasting agreements. US President Donald Trump later extended the ceasefire indefinitely.

According to Israeli media, Tel Aviv has increased the level of military readiness in preparation for a possible resumption of war with Iran if negotiations between Tehran and Washington fail.

Source: prizrenpost