Advertisement

Israel approves acquisition of new F-35 and F-15IA fighter squadrons as part of long-term military buildup plan

By Martin Chomsky (Defence Industry Europe)

Air |
Israel approves acquisition of new F-35 and F-15IA fighter squadrons as part of long-term military buildup plan

Photo: Israeli Air Force (IAF).

The Israel Ministry of Defense has received approval to acquire two new fighter squadrons for the Israeli Air Force. The decision includes a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing.

Advertisement

The approval was granted by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement as part of a broader modernization effort. The agreements, valued at tens of billions of shekels, include full fleet integration, sustainment, spare parts and logistics support.

The procurement represents an initial step in implementing the Israel Defense Forces’ decade-long force buildup plan. The program operates under a dedicated 350 billion shekel budget approved by national leadership.

Israel Katz and Amir Baram presented the plan to the committee as part of a wider strategy to strengthen military readiness. The initiative is intended to address evolving regional threats and maintain Israel’s strategic air superiority.

The new squadrons are expected to form a central element of the country’s long-term force development. The acquisition is designed to enhance operational capabilities across future scenarios

Following approval, the ministry directed its mission in the United States to proceed with finalizing agreements. The process will involve coordination with American government and military counterparts in the coming period.

Advertisement