Israel approves F-35 and F-15IA squadrons in multi-billion-shekel defence push
Synopsis
Israel has greenlit a sweeping air-power expansion — simultaneously procuring a fourth F-35 and a second F-15IA squadron under a 350-billion-NIS defence budget. Coming on the heels of Operation Roaring Lion, the move signals a decade-long IDF modernisation push that now extends into space-based military dominance and autonomous flight.
Key Takeaways
Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved a fourth F-35 squadron (Lockheed Martin) and a second F-15IA squadron (Boeing) on Sunday, 4 May 2025 .
The deal is valued at tens of billions of NIS , covering fleet integration, spare parts, logistics, and sustainment.
It is described as the first step in a decade-long IDF force-buildup plan backed by a dedicated 350-billion-NIS budget.
Defence Minister Israel Katz cited lessons from Operation Roaring Lion as a key driver of the procurement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced a special project to counter the growing threat of drones.
The 'Shield of Israel' plan targets autonomous flight integration, next-generation defence systems, and Israeli military dominance in space.
Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement on Sunday, 4 May 2025, approved the simultaneous acquisition of two new fighter squadrons — a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing — marking the first major procurement step under a dedicated 350-billion-NIS force-buildup budget, the Israeli Ministry of Defence (IMOD) announced.
What Was Approved
The procurement was brought before the committee by Defence Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Major General (Reserve) Amir Baram. According to the Ministry's press statement, the deal is valued at tens of billions of NIS (New Israeli Shekel) and encompasses full fleet integration into the Israeli Air Force (IAF), spare parts, logistics, and comprehensive sustainment support.
The two complementary platforms are designed to give the IAF flexibility across a broad range of combat scenarios, with the F-35 providing stealth and advanced sensor fusion and the F-15IA offering long-range strike and payload capacity.
The 'Shield of Israel' Plan
Defence Minister Katz described the acquisitions as central to the 'Shield of Israel' plan, which is intended to give the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) a lasting qualitative edge. He stated that the IAF will be expected to lead a major technological leap, including integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance — both defensive and offensive — in space.
Katz noted that the lessons drawn from Operation Roaring Lion require continued momentum in force buildup and sustained air superiority for the next few decades.
Point of View
Likely in response to threat escalation on multiple fronts. The explicit mention of space dominance and autonomous flight within a fighter-jet announcement is notable: it reframes the IAF's ambition beyond conventional air superiority. The 350-billion-NIS budget figure, attributed to Netanyahu's direct authorisation, also raises accountability questions — large defence outlays in wartime environments are historically prone to cost overruns and oversight gaps that merit scrutiny.
NationPress
11 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What fighter jets has Israel approved for procurement?
Israel has approved the simultaneous acquisition of a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The deal covers full fleet integration, spare parts, logistics, and sustainment for the Israeli Air Force.
How much is the Israel fighter jet procurement worth?
The procurement is valued at tens of billions of NIS (New Israeli Shekel), according to the Israeli Ministry of Defence. It falls under a broader dedicated budget of 350 billion NIS for the IDF's decade-long force-buildup plan.
What is the 'Shield of Israel' plan?
The 'Shield of Israel' is Israel's long-term military modernisation framework, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz. It aims to give the IDF a lasting qualitative edge by integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance in space.
What is Operation Roaring Lion and why is it relevant?
Operation Roaring Lion is a recent Israeli military operation whose lessons, according to Defence Minister Katz, underscored the need to press forward on force buildup and maintain air superiority. The operation also reinforced the importance of the US-Israel strategic relationship and advanced air power.
What is Israel doing about the drone threat?
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the establishment of a special project specifically to address the growing threat of drones. He acknowledged it will take time but stated the government is actively working on it.
