The Israeli government has approved a major combat aviation procurement package that will expand the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with two additional fighter squadrons, as part of a long-term force development programme aimed at sustaining air superiority. According to an announcement by the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the Ministerial Committee on Procurement has authorised the parallel acquisition of a fourth squadron of F-35 Lightning II aircraft from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighters from Boeing. The agreements—valued at tens of billions of Israeli shekels—cover not only the aircraft platforms but also full integration into the Israeli Air Force (IAF), alongside sustainment packages, spare parts, and long-term logistics support. The procurement forms the initial phase of a broader 10-year force build-up plan, backed by a dedicated budget of approximately NIS350 billion and approved by senior Israeli leadership. The programme is intended to address anticipated operational demands over the coming decade while maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in an evolving regional threat environment.
IMOD Director General Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram: “The approval of this procurement is the first major step in executing the 350-billion-NIS force buildup plan for an intense security decade ahead. Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge ten years from now and beyond. Operation Roaring Lion reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains. The complementary capabilities of these two squadrons will give the Israeli Air Force the flexibility to handle a broad range of combat scenarios. The Israel Ministry of Defense will continue leading procurement processes with responsibility and long-term vision, ensuring the defense establishment is ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz: “Operation Roaring Lion once again demonstrated the Israeli Air Force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel. The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come. The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan, which is designed to give the IDF a lasting qualitative edge. As part of this plan, the Israeli Air Force will be expected to lead a major technological leap – integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance, both defensive and offensive, in space. Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time. We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies – to keep Israel secure today and in the future.”
The additional squadrons are expected to provide complementary operational effects, combining the low-observable and network-centric capabilities of the F-35 with the payload capacity, range, and strike flexibility associated with the F-15IA. Following committee approval, the IMOD has instructed its US mission to proceed with finalising government-to-government agreements with American counterparts, indicating that contract negotiations are expected to progress in the near term. Israeli officials linked the procurement decision to operational lessons identified during Operation Roaring Lion, highlighting the continued centrality of air power in national defence strategy. The acquisitions are also aligned with Israel’s broader “Shield of Israel” concept, which envisages advancements in autonomous aviation, next-generation defensive systems, and expanded operational reach, including in the space domain. Once delivered, the new squadrons are expected to enhance the IAF’s ability to conduct a wide spectrum of missions, ranging from high-intensity conflict to long-range precision strike, ensuring operational flexibility and sustained air dominance in future contingencies.
