The Israeli Defense Ministry said that the country has given final approval to the plan for the purchase of two new combat squadrons of modern American-designed fighters. We are talking about the fighters of the fourth and fifth generations of the F-15IA from Boeing and the F-35I Apri from Lockheed Martin.
Thus, the Israeli Air Force will have four squadrons F-35I Adir and two – the F-15IA.
The deal is estimated at tens of billions of shekels and will be the first step in the long-term plan of strengthening the Air Force against the background, as indicated in Israel itself, growing threats.
According to the ministry, the decision was made based on the analysis of the combat experience of recent conflicts, including Iran. From the official statement:
It aims to maintain the qualitative superiority of the Israeli Air Force in the coming decade of special requirements. The purchase is included in the overall development plan of the Air Force for 350 billion shekels (about $ 119 billion).
At the moment, the Israeli Air Force is in service with about 48 F-35I Adir aircraft (of which three squadrons operate on the basis of the Nevatim). The last two cars from the initial order of 50 units are expected before the end of 2026. After the implementation of the new transaction, the F-35I fleet should grow to about 75 cars.
The F-35I is an Israeli-adapted version of a fifth-generation stealth fighter with advanced capabilities of autonomous operation and integration of Israeli weapons and systems. The F-15IA is an improved version of the F-15 with increased range, take-off weight and modern equipment.
The Israeli Defense Minister noted that these purchases are critical to the long-term “Israel Shield” strategy. Deliveries are expected to last for several years.
