Israel expands fighter jet fleet plans

Israel will purchase additional advanced fighter jets, approving plans for a fourth squadron of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft as part of a wider 350 billion shekel force‑buildup plan, officials said. The procurement, cleared by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement, is valued at tens of billions of shekels and includes fleet integration, sustainment, spare parts and logistics support; exact prices and timelines were not disclosed. Each squadron is expected to comprise about 25 airframes, which would raise Israel’s F-35 fleet toward 100 aircraft and expand its F-15IA holdings following a prior $5.2 billion tranche announced in 2024.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the purchases as essential to preserving Israel’s long‑term air superiority and cited recent military campaigns as justification for accelerating force development. Defence Minister Israel Katz and Defence Ministry officials described the acquisitions as central to the “Shield of Israel” plan, intended to address evolving regional threats and ensure a qualitative edge for decades. Officials said much of the expanded defence budget will be directed to domestic munitions production and related industrial investment; Netanyahu also pledged development of new Israeli-made aircraft without providing details.

The decision follows intensified operations and exchanges in the region, which Israeli leaders say have underlined the air force’s strategic role. US cooperation will be needed to finalise the purchases, with Israeli teams in Washington to pursue next steps. The procurement complements broader IDF modernization efforts that include new lift and refuelling aircraft, Apaches, expanded ground units and investments in autonomy, space capabilities and munitions production. Analysts say the move further cements Israel’s position among top F-35 operators and reflects a regional trend of rapid military aviation upgrades.