Israel Approves Multi-Billion Dollar Deal for F-35 and F-15IA Fighter Jets

Procurement Approval

Israel's Ministerial Committee on Procurement has approved a multi-billion dollar agreement to acquire two new combat squadrons of advanced fighter jets from the United States. The deal involves the purchase of a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing.

According to the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD), the agreements are valued at tens of billions of NIS. Beyond the aircraft themselves, the deals include comprehensive sustainment, spare parts, logistics support, and full fleet integration into the Israeli Air Force (IAF).

Following the committee's approval, Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram instructed the ministry's mission to the U.S. to proceed with finalizing agreements with American military and government counterparts.

The 'Shield of Israel' Plan

The acquisition is the first phase of a broader force-building initiative known as "Magen Israel," or "Shield of Israel". This long-term plan is designed for the coming decade and is supported by a dedicated budget of 350 billion shekels, approximately $119 billion.

Ministry officials stated that the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone of the military's long-term force development. The primary objectives of the plan are to address evolving regional threats and preserve Israel's strategic air superiority.

Defense Minister Israel Katz noted that operational lessons from the second war with Iran necessitate an accelerated force buildup to ensure the IAF maintains its superiority in the decades ahead.

Strategic Fleet Expansion

The purchase is expected to significantly increase the size of Israel's advanced aircraft fleet. The acquisition of the additional squadrons would eventually bring the IAF's F-35I fleet to 100 aircraft and the F-15IA fleet—the Israeli variant of the advanced F-15EX—to 50 aircraft in the coming years.

Director General Amir Baram stated that while the military must address immediate wartime procurement needs, there is a responsibility to secure the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) military edge for ten years into the future and beyond. Baram added that the recent war with Iran "reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains".

Industry Context

The deal involves two of the largest U.S. defense contractors, Lockheed Martin and Boeing. In December, Boeing had previously been awarded an $8.6 billion contract for Israel, which included 25 new F-15IAs and an option for an additional 25 aircraft.

Israel has relied heavily on its air force in recent years, utilizing the fleet as the primary tool for missions against both Hezbollah and Iran. The current expansion aims to bolster long-term military capability with a specific focus on technological advancement and domestic production.