Israel has given final approval for the purchase of two new squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and Boeing, in a deal worth tens of billions of euros, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced.
The agreement, approved by Israel’s Ministerial Procurement Committee, is the first step in a broader 350 billion shekel (around €100 billion) plan to strengthen the country’s military and “readiness for a demanding decade for Israeli security,” the ministry said.
The Ministry of Defense added that the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone for the long-term development of Israel’s armed forces, addressing regional threats and maintaining its strategic air superiority.
“Alongside urgent wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to ensure the military advantage of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) ten years from now and beyond,” said Director General Amir Baram.
He added that the recent war with Iran “clearly demonstrated how critical the US–Israel strategic relationship is and how vital air power remains.”
Under the deal, Israel will acquire a fourth squadron of F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA jets from Boeing.
Baram noted that the next step is to finalize agreements with the United States government.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the war with Iran proved the strength of the country’s air force and its decisive role in protecting Israel.
“The lessons of this campaign require us to continue developing our forces to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and power to operate anywhere, anytime,” Katz added, emphasizing continued investment to keep Israel ahead of its adversaries.
Source: ANA-MPA
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