Israel plans to buy U.S. fighter jets

JERUSALEM, July 10 (UPI) -- The Israeli air force has submitted a formal letter of request to the U.S. Pentagon to purchase 25 F-35 stealth fighters, Israeli defense officials said.

The purchase of what is considered the most advanced fighter jet in the world is estimated to cost Israel about $100 million each for a total of about $2.5 billion and has yet to be finalized, The Jerusalem Post reported Friday.

Israel wants to buy 25 jets now and at a later stage an additional 50, including some with vertical take-off and landing capabilities, the newspaper said.