Israel has approved a multi-billion-dollar agreement to procure two new fighter jet squadrons from the United States, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the acquisition will strengthen the country’s air dominance.
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the package includes one squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin and another squadron of F-15IA aircraft from Boeing.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the procurement is intended to preserve Israel’s air superiority for decades and forms a core element of the “Shield of Israel” modernization strategy designed to maintain the Israel Defense Forces’ technological and operational edge.
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, developed through a multinational partnership led by the US, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft, with Israel already operating dozens of the jets. Netanyahu said the deal would further enhance Israel’s “overwhelming air superiority” while emphasizing plans to expand domestic weapons and aircraft production capabilities.
Israel’s air force has played a major role in operations in Gaza Strip, conducting extensive air campaigns targeting what Israeli authorities identified as Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels, rocket launch sites, and command centers. The strikes also caused widespread destruction across civilian areas, including homes, hospitals, and schools.
The country has additionally engaged in two rounds of conflict with Iran within the past year, during which Israeli aircraft carried out long-range strikes against targets deep inside Iranian territory. Israeli officials said the operations were aimed at weakening Iran’s strategic military capabilities, while Iranian authorities reported repeated attacks on major cities and industrial zones.
The procurement comes as Israel increases defense spending under its newly approved 2026 budget. Military expenditures have risen steadily since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, while Israel also remains engaged against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in southern Lebanon.
