Netanyahu’s defence push: Israel approves purchase of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets to boost air power
Israel’s defence ministry on Sunday said that it has given final approval to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term military capability and air superiority.The deal includes the purchase of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets under a broader 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) defence modernisation plan designed to boost Israel’s military readiness, according to the defence ministry.The plan was approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement and marks a major expansion of the country’s air power, including a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing, Reuters reported.
.
‘Shield of Israel’ plan to transform air power and future warfare
The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan, designed to ensure long-term air superiority and technological advantage for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF).As part of the plan, the Israeli Air Force is expected to undergo a major technological upgrade, including integration of autonomous flight systems, next-generation defence capabilities, and expansion into what officials describe as future military operations in space.Defence Ministry Director General Maj Gen (Res) Amir Baram said the approval marks a key step in the country’s long-term military build-up strategy.“The approval of this procurement is the first major step in executing the 350-billion-NIS force buildup plan for an intense security decade ahead. 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,” Baram said. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a significant part of the expanded defence budget will focus on domestic production of weapons and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. “Much of this expanded defence budget will be to produce munitions in Israel and not be dependent on foreign countries,” he said. Netanyahu added that Israel will also develop ‘groundbreaking’ aircraft.Defence ministry Director General Amir Baram said the procurement is aimed at strengthening long-term readiness and maintaining Israel’s military edge. “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,” he said.Baram said the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone of the military’s force development strategy to address regional threats and preserve air superiority. He also said the recent war with Iran underscored the importance of advanced air power and the strategic relationship with the United States.“The recent war with Iran reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” he said.Defence minister Israel Katz said the conflict with Iran highlighted the decisive role of the air force in national security. “The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.Katz added that the new aircraft would bring a technological leap, including integration of autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defence systems. “Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time. We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies,” he said.The next step in the process will involve finalising agreements with the United States government and military counterparts. Earlier, Boeing had been awarded an $8.6 billion contract for Israel that included 25 F-15IA jets with an option for additional aircraft.
