Israel to buy more F-35 jets

Israel has signed a contract to buy 14 additional F-35 fighter jets from the United States for about $3 billion, the defense ministry said on Sunday. The deal follows Israel's purchase in 2010 of 19 of the Lockheed Martin-built fighters. The ministry said an agreement to buy the 14 additional aircraft was signed over the weekend and included an option for another 17 of the planes. Israel's first two F-35s will arrive by the end of 2016. (Source: multiple, including Reuters, AFP via DefenseNews, 02/22/15, AP via Star-Telegram, 02/23/15) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 integrated training center.