Israel signs deal to buy $3.1 bln in US helicopters, tankers
The deal includes an option for Israel to buy six additional helicopters
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Israel has signed a deal with the United States to buy 12 Lockheed Martin Corp CH-53K helicopters and two Boeing Co KC-46 refueling planes, the Israeli Defense Ministry said on Friday, estimating the total price at around $3.1 billion.
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The deal, signed on Thursday, is part of an upgrade of Israel's air force capabilities and includes an option to buy six additional helicopters, a ministry statement said.
It said the first helicopters were due to arrive in Israel in 2026. Brigadier-General Shimon Tsentsiper, chief of material for the air force, told Israel's Army Radio on Thursday that the refueling planes on order would not be delivered before 2025.
| Ticker | Security | Last | Change | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LMT | LOCKHEED MARTIN CORP. | 520.34 | -5.77 | -1.10% |
| BA | THE BOEING CO. | 156.54 | +1.10 | +0.71% |
He said Israel was trying to bring forward the delivery of the KC-46s, and eventually wanted a total of four of them.
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Israeli media have speculated that the refueling planes could be crucial for carrying out a long-threatened air strike on Iran's nuclear facilities. Tsentsiper said the air force's current refueling capacities were sufficient for its missions.
(Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by Alex Richardson)