US, Lockheed Martin reach deal on Israeli equipment for F-35 fighter jets

07/27/12: Haaretz reports the Pentagon has reached an agreement with defense contractor Lockheed Martin on a $450 million program to enhance electronic warfare equipment on the F-35 fighter jet and integrate Israeli-unique systems beginning in 2016.  Sources say the deal will be finalized in coming weeks, marking a big step forward for Israel’s $2.75 billion agreement to buy nineteen F-35 jets, which was signed in October 2010 and includes options for up to seventy-five of the radar-evading fighters.  The F-35 will allow for even greater American collaboration in the coming years with Israel, a critical strategic ally for the United States at a time when much of the Middle East is in turmoil.