Jerusalem, Israel. Israel has given final approval for a plan to purchase two new combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars, the defence ministry said on Sunday.
Procurement approval and broader spending plan
The deal was approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement and was described as a first step in a 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) plan to bolster Israel’s military and “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the new squadrons would serve as a cornerstone of the military’s long-term force development, address regional threats, and preserve Israel’s strategic air superiority.
Statements from defence officials
“Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ten years from now and beyond,” said ministry director general Amir Baram, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
Baram said the recent war with Iran “reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains.”
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Iranian conflict demonstrated the air force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel.
Planned aircraft purchases and next steps
Under the plan, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing.
In December, Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for Israel including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.
Baram said the next step would be to move forward with finalizing the agreements with the U.S. government and military counterparts.
Conflict context
The United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8. The U.S. Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
What impact do you think the planned purchases could have on Israel’s air power over the next decade?
