Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Israel has received U.S. approval for its planned Joint Strike Fighter fleet.

The Defense Department has awarded a $101.9 million contract for JSF logistics for Israel. Under the contract, Lockheed Martin would provide engineering and software development for Israel’s order of 19 F-35A fighter-jets.

Israel, the first foreign country to order the F-35, has sought to install electronic warfare and other systems in JSF.

Officials said the administration of President Barack Obama, after years of refusal, has agreed to some of Israel’s requests.

The Pentagon said the latest contract would be completed in April 2015.

“This modification provides for non-recurring engineering and sustainment tasks for mission systems software and autonomic logistics development of the F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing Air System for the government of Israel under the Foreign Military Sales Program,” the Pentagon said.

In a statement on May 13, the Pentagon said the latest contract would
also procure autonomic logistics hardware to support Israel pilot training.
No details were given.

The first JSF aircraft were scheduled to be delivered to Israel by 2017.

“Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $37,900,000 will be
obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the
current fiscal year,” the Pentagon said.

  after years of refusals, Israeli F-35 green-lighted: Obama administration ends lengthy delay, Joint Strike Fighter, Lockheed Martin, Pentagon