TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel has signed a contract worth over US$34 million or more than 100 million Israeli shekels to develop the long-range capabilities of the F-35 Adir fighter jet. The deal was announced on Thursday, May 14, 2026, while tensions between Israel and Iran have not eased.
According to Yeni Safak, Israel's Ministry of Defense Procurement Directorate has inked the contract with Cyclone, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems.
Development of External Fuel Tanks
In an official statement, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that the contract includes developing additional range capabilities for the F-35 Adir fighter jets produced by Lockheed Martin.
The contract involves the development and integration of external fuel tanks based on the previous Cyclone design developed for the F-16 fighter aircraft.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this project will extend the F-35's operational range, reduce its reliance on air refueling, and improve its operational flexibility for long-distance missions.
The F-35 Adir is a modified version of the F-35 designed for the Israeli Air Force. With the addition of external fuel tanks, the aircraft can reach targets farther without the need for frequent refueling from tanker aircraft.
This capability is crucial for Israel, especially for long-range operations, such as potential strikes on areas beyond the aircraft's normal range.
Tensions with Iran Remain High
The announcement of this agreement comes amid escalating regional tensions after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026.
According to Anadolu, the attacks prompted retaliatory strikes from Tehran against Israel and American allies in the Gulf region. The conflict also led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route for global energy trade.
A ceasefire came into effect on April 8, 2026, through mediation by Pakistan. However, the negotiations in Islamabad did not yield a permanent agreement. United States President Donald Trump then extended the ceasefire without setting a time limit.
Anticipating the possibility of renewed warfare if negotiations between Tehran and Washington fail to reach an agreement, Tel Aviv has heightened its military alert status.
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