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Israel has approved a multi-billion-dollar agreement to acquire two squadrons of fighter jets from the United States as part of efforts to strengthen its long-term air power capabilities.
The deal includes a squadron of F-35 stealth fighters produced by Lockheed Martin and another of F-15IA aircraft built by Boeing, according to the defence ministry on Sunday.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement that the acquisitions are intended to maintain the country’s aerial advantage for years to come, noting that the jets form a core part of a broader military strategy to preserve the operational edge of the Israeli Defence Forces.
He added that the objective is to ensure the military can operate effectively across different theatres whenever required.
“The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan, which is designed to give the IDF (Israeli military) a lasting qualitative edge.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time,” Katz said.
The F-35, developed through a joint programme involving the United States and allied nations, is considered among the most advanced combat aircraft globally, and Israel already operates several units.
The country’s air force has been heavily engaged in recent conflicts, including operations in Gaza and confrontations involving Iran and allied groups, with air strikes playing a central role.
The latest purchase aligns with a broader increase in defence spending under Israel’s 2026 budget, reflecting heightened security concerns and ongoing regional tensions.
