IRIA News

7 minute read

Israel has approved a multibillion-dollar agreement to acquire two new squadrons of F-35 and F-15 advanced fighter aircraft from U.S. defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing, marking a significant step in its long-term military modernization plans.

The decision was finalized by the Israeli government’s ministerial committee for acquisitions, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. The deal includes a fourth squadron of F-35I stealth fighter jets and a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft.

While the exact number of aircraft was not disclosed, the total value of the transactions is estimated at billions of dollars. It includes logistics, spare parts, and long-term operational support.

Broader Military Buildup

The newly approved purchase is described as the first phase of a much larger force-building program spanning the next decade. Israeli officials have outlined a total defense investment plan valued at approximately $119 billion, aimed at strengthening the country’s military capabilities across multiple domains.

This long-term strategy reflects growing concerns over regional instability and the need to maintain a qualitative military edge. Officials have emphasized that the investment is not limited to aircraft procurement but also includes broader modernization efforts, such as integrating advanced technologies and enhancing operational readiness.

“Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the [military’s] edge 10 years from now and beyond,” Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram said, highlighting the forward-looking nature of the initiative.

Under the agreement, Israel will expand both its stealth and heavy-strike capabilities by acquiring:

• A fourth squadron of F-35I fighter jets
• A second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets

Although the government did not specify the number of aircraft in the latest approval, previous deals provide context. In July 2023, Israel ordered a third squadron of F-35I jets, consisting of 25 aircraft purchased for $3 billion using U.S. aid funds. Deliveries for that batch are expected to begin in 2028.

In December, Israel also signed an $8.6 billion agreement for 25 F-15IA aircraft, with an option to expand the order by an additional 25 jets in the future.

With the addition of the newly approved squadrons, Israel is expected to significantly increase the size of its air fleet. Once deliveries are complete, the number of F-35I aircraft could reach approximately 100, while the fleet of F-15IA jets could grow to around 50, effectively doubling current levels.

Capabilities and Technological Advantages

The two aircraft types serve distinct but complementary roles within Israel’s air force. The F-35I is a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for deep-penetration missions in heavily defended airspace. Its low observable characteristics allow it to evade advanced radar systems, making it suitable for operations against sophisticated air defense networks.

The Israeli variant is uniquely customized, incorporating domestically developed electronic warfare systems, communication tools, and command-and-control capabilities into its architecture.

The F-15IA, based on Boeing’s F-15EX platform, is optimized for heavy payload and long-range strike missions. It is capable of carrying up to 29,500 pounds of munitions and is equipped with advanced radar systems and a digital fly-by-wire control system. This makes it particularly suited for sustained operations requiring large-scale firepower and flexibility.

Israeli defense officials have indicated that the integration of these aircraft will support a broader technological leap. Plans include the development of autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems, and expanded operational capacity in new domains, including space.

Strategic Context

The decision to move forward with the procurement comes amid ongoing regional tensions, particularly involving Iran. Israeli officials have pointed to recent military operations and evolving security challenges as key drivers behind the accelerated modernization effort.

The U.S. and Israel launched a coordinated military campaign against Iran on February 28, involving extensive air operations. Although a ceasefire has been in place since April 8, the situation remains fragile, with continued concerns about escalation.

Israeli leaders have repeatedly stressed that the lessons learned from the conflict underscore the importance of maintaining advanced air capabilities. The ability to operate across long distances and in contested environments is seen as critical for both deterrence and operational effectiveness.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the new acquisitions would reinforce Israel’s existing advantages in air power.

“These aircraft strengthen Israel’s overwhelming air superiority,” he said, adding that Israeli pilots are prepared to operate across the region if required.

Defense Minister Israel Katz also emphasized the importance of continued investment in military capabilities.

“The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force build-up to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” Katz said.

The agreement further highlights the close defense ties between Israel and the U.S., particularly in the area of advanced military technology. Much of Israel’s procurement of high-end defense systems is supported by U.S. funding and conducted through coordinated government-to-government agreements.

Israeli officials have noted that the recent conflict with Iran reinforced the importance of this strategic partnership. Access to cutting-edge platforms such as the F-35 and F-15IA is seen as essential for maintaining a technological edge in the region.

In addition to aircraft procurement, Israeli leaders have indicated that part of the broader defense budget will be directed toward increasing domestic production capabilities. This includes efforts to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers for certain types of munitions and to develop next-generation systems locally.

The procurement of the new squadrons is also linked to operational lessons drawn from recent military engagements, including what Israeli officials referred to as “Operation Lion Roar.” While details of the operation were not extensively outlined, it was cited as a factor influencing the decision to accelerate force development.

According to the Defense Ministry, the goal is to ensure that the Israeli Air Force remains capable of addressing a wide range of threats, from conventional military challenges to more complex, multi-domain scenarios.

Officials have stressed that the modernization effort is not solely about increasing the number of aircraft but also about enhancing overall capability. This includes improving integration across systems, expanding intelligence and surveillance capabilities, and ensuring rapid adaptability in evolving conflict environments.

Following the committee’s approval, Israel’s Defense Ministry has instructed its procurement delegation in the U.S. to proceed with finalizing the agreements with the American government and military counterparts.

The process will involve detailed negotiations covering timelines, delivery schedules, and support arrangements. Given the scale of the program, implementation is expected to take place over several years.

The approval of the new fighter jet deal represents a significant milestone in Israel’s long-term defense planning. By expanding both its stealth and heavy-strike capabilities, Israel aims to reinforce its military position in a region marked by ongoing uncertainty.

As tensions persist and security challenges evolve, Israeli officials have made clear that maintaining air superiority will remain a central pillar of national defense strategy. The combination of advanced aircraft, technological innovation, and continued cooperation with the U.S. is expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s military capabilities for years to come.