The first batch of the F-16I "Sufa" (storm) advance fighter bombers arrived in Israel Thursday afternoon, and were received at a ceremony attended by the Israeli Minister of Defense and the Army's Chief of Staff.
According to the JPost, the arrivals are the first of 102 aircrafts scheduled to land in Israel over the next four years in a deal valued at over $4.5 billion. The costs of this deal will be financed by the annual U.S. military aid package.
The new jet is inclined to dramatically boost Israel's long-arm reach.
With the arrival of the 102 F-16Is, Israel will have a total of 362 warplanes – the largest fleet in any country in the world after the United States. The F-16Is will give added punch to the long-range capabilities of the Israeli Air Force. (Albawaba.com)
© 2004 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
