Israel said on Sunday that it will expand its fleet of next-generation F-35 fighter jets in a move that officials believe will help maintain the country's qualitative military edge over its Mideast neighbors for years to come, Israeli newspaper Yediot Ahronot reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office announced that his Security Cabinet has approved the purchase of 17 additional F-35s. In all, it said, the acquisition will bring the number of planes the air force will get to 50.

The F-35 is the Pentagon's most expensive weapons program, with an estimated cost of nearly $400 billion. Israel is among a small number of allies slated to receive the plane, with the first F-35 expected to arrive in about three weeks.

A senior Israeli air force official described the arrival of the F-35 as a game-changing development that will give Israel a "strong and effective tool" in dealing with challenges across the region.

Source: MENA