Defense Ministry signs deal with Elbit for ‘extended-range capability’ for F-35I fighter jet

By Emanuel Fabian

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14 May 2026, 9:37 am

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Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent

Israeli Air Force F-35I fighter jets head to carry out strikes in Iran, in a photo published by the military on March 15, 2026. (Israel Defense Forces)

The Defense Ministry says it has signed a contract with a subsidiary of the Elbit defense firm for the development of an “extended-range capability” for the F-35I fighter jet.

The deal with Cyclone is valued at $34 million (NIS 100 million), and will include the “development and integration of external fuel tanks” based on a design that the subsidiary originally developed for the F-16 fighter jet, according to the ministry.

The ministry says the new capability is expected to “extend the aircraft’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling and enhance operational flexibility across long-range missions.”