Israel grants final approval for advanced fighter jet procurement from US manufacturers
The acquisition of F-35 and F-15IA squadrons aims to secure long-term air superiority and integrate autonomous flight capabilities amid ongoing security challenges.
Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement has granted final approval for a multibillion-dollar agreement to acquire two new combat squadrons of advanced fighter jets from United States manufacturers. The deal, which covers a fourth squadron of F-35s from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IAs from Boeing, marks the initial phase of a broader 350-billion-shekel ($119bn) programme designed to bolster the country's armed forces over the coming decade.
Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram stated that the decision was driven by both immediate wartime requirements and the strategic necessity to maintain military advantages ten years into the future. He emphasised that alongside current procurement needs, there is a responsibility to act now to secure the military's edge for the long term. The acquisition represents a significant expansion of a previous framework, following a December contract awarded to Boeing for an initial 25 F-15IAs with an option for 25 more.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu highlighted that the purchase reinforces Israel's overwhelming air superiority, citing recent conflicts in Am KeLavi and Shaagat HaAri as proof of the urgent need for such capabilities. He noted that the continuing war on Iran has reinforced the critical nature of the strategic relationship with the US and the essential role of advanced air power. The US and Israel launched a joint war on Iran on 28 February, although a fragile ceasefire has been in place since 8 April.
Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasised that the new aircraft will facilitate a technological leap in autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defence systems. He argued that the lessons from the recent campaign require pressing forward on force build-up to ensure air superiority for decades to come, including establishing military dominance in space. Katz described the US-Israel war on Iran as a demonstration of the air force's power and its decisive role in protecting the state.
The Ministry of Defence indicated that the next step involves moving forward with finalising the necessary agreements with the US government and military. This procedural step is required before the implementation of the deal can proceed. The purchase is part of a larger strategic programme announced to strengthen Israel's defence posture ahead of what officials describe as a demanding decade for Israeli security.
While the Ministerial Committee has signed off on the deal, the specific components include the integration of autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defence systems into the existing fleet. The focus remains on securing long-term air superiority and enhancing security readiness in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape involving Iran.
