May 10, 2016 1:01 PM

Why Only Israel Can Customize America's F-35 (At Least for Now)

The US doesn't want other countries messing with the F-35—but Israel gets special privileges.

An F35C Lightning II at Hill Force Base Utah on April 15 2016.

Any big-ticket military technology purchased from the US comes with rules. Big stacks of strict guidelines outline exactly what allies can do to the hardware and the systems that run it. Generally, it comes down to: nothing. No modifications, no additions, no deletions. You can't even make repairs without written consent from the Pentagon.

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Eric Adams is a veteran aerospace, automotive, and military journalist, as well as a professional photographer. He has driven a Bugatti above 200 mph, has been shot by the US Air Force “pain beam,” and has chased total solar eclipses on four continents. See more of his work here. ... Read More

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TopicsAviation Israel Military

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