The Israel Ministry of Defense has signed a contract worth over $34 million with Cyclone, a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, to develop and integrate external fuel tanks for the F-35 "Adir" fighter jet, based on an existing design originally created for the F-16, to extend operational range and reduce aerial refueling dependency.
The Defense Procurement Directorate (DPD) of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD) has signed a contract with Cyclone, a wholly owned subsidiary of Elbit Systems, for the development of an extended-range capability for the F-35 "Adir" fighter jet, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, according to official disclosures.
The deal is valued at over $34 million (exceeding NIS 100 million). The scope covers development and integration of external fuel tanks based on an existing Cyclone design originally developed for the F-16. This development matters because the new capability is expected to extend the F-35’s operational range, reduce reliance on aerial refueling, and enhance operational flexibility across long-range missions.
The contract is part of IMOD’s broader force buildup strategy, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, to strengthen Israel’s readiness for what officials describe as an intense security decade ahead and to maintain the country’s aerial and strategic superiority in the region. Industries impacted include defense aerospace, fuel systems manufacturing, and military aviation.
Regional stakeholders include neighboring air forces, regional security allies, and Lockheed Martin as the F-35 prime contractor.
For investors, the contract demonstrates Cyclone’s ability to adapt legacy designs for advanced platforms, potentially opening future upgrade opportunities for other F-35 operators. The work also highlights Israel’s focus on self-sufficient range extension as a force multiplier without disclosing sensitive performance metrics.
Elbit Systems is an Israel-based international defense electronics company.
Cyclone is its wholly owned subsidiary specializing in aerospace products and subsystems.
The Israel Ministry of Defense is the government authority responsible for national defense and military procurement.
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