Israel has approved a major fighter aircraft procurement plan from the United States as part of its long-term air force modernization strategy. According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the plan includes the acquisition of Lockheed Martin-built F-35 fighter jets and Boeing-built F-15IA aircraft. The decision, approved by the ministry’s procurement committee, is described as a multibillion-dollar move designed to preserve Israel’s strategic air superiority in the coming decade.

The approved plan is one of the first steps in Israel’s broader 350 billion shekel, approximately $119 billion, long-term military buildup program. Under this framework, Israel plans to acquire a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The new fighter fleets are expected to become central components of the Israeli military’s future force structure and provide expanded capabilities against evolving regional threats.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that a significant portion of the expanded defense budget would be directed toward ammunition production inside Israel, with the aim of reducing dependence on foreign sources. He also said the country would develop advanced aircraft and that the new fighter jets would reinforce Israel’s overwhelming air superiority. Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram emphasized that, alongside urgent wartime procurement needs, Israel must also take steps today to secure its military advantage over the next decade.

The new aircraft acquisition reflects Israel’s continued focus on air power amid regional security risks and its threat perception centered on Iran. Israeli officials stated that recent conflict with Iran once again demonstrated the importance of advanced air capabilities and the strategic defense relationship between the United States and Israel. Defense Minister Israel Katz also noted that lessons learned from the conflict underlined the need to maintain a force structure capable of preserving air superiority for decades to come.

The F-35 and F-15IA procurement is expected to strengthen both Israel’s stealth mission capabilities and its long-range heavy strike capacity. Expanding the F-35 fleet will deepen Israel’s fifth-generation fighter capability, while the F-15IA will provide additional power through high payload capacity and long-range mission performance. Boeing had previously received a contract covering 25 new F-15IA aircraft for Israel, with options for 25 more.

In the next stage, final agreements are expected to be completed with the U.S. government and military authorities. The Israeli Ministry of Defense states that the new aircraft will contribute not only to current operational needs, but also to future priorities such as autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems and military superiority in space. In this context, the F-35 and F-15IA acquisition stands out as a strategic modernization move that will shape Israel’s air force for the long-term threat environment.