Israel buys more F-16s from U.S. firm

JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel signed a contract to buy 52 F-16I fighter-bombers -- one of the most advanced fighter-bombers in the world -- from the U.S. firm of Lockheed Martin, Israel's Defense Ministry said Friday.

The newest planes are in addition to the 50 F-16 aircraft that Israel ordered in January 2000 and are an option to that order, Lockheed said. Israel has the largest fleet of F-16s outside the United States, the company said.

This agreement follows the June announcement at the Paris Air Show of Israel's intent to exercise an option for more F-16s.

The agreement covers aircraft, logistics support and training, and U.S. government program management and services for a total value of $2 billion.

"Israel's sixth acquisition of F-16s demonstrates their continued confidence in the F-16I to satisfy their future defense needs," said Dain M. Hancock, president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co.

The Jerusalem Post reported that a public competition held by the Israeli Air Force recently chose the name "Sufa," or storm, for the new plane.

The final assembly of the F-16Is will take place at Lockheed Martin's Fort Worth, Texas, facility.