Israel’s Ministry of Defence has received approval for acquiring two new fighter squadrons simultaneously. The plan includes adding a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The procurement, valued at tens of billions of INS, covers fleet integration, spare parts, logistics, and sustainment for the Israeli Air Force.
The decision was made by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement after Defense Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Major General (Reserve) Amir Baram presented the proposal. This procurement marks the initial phase of the IDF’s ten-year force buildup plan, endorsed by the Prime Minister and Defense Minister under a dedicated 350-billion-NIS budget.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated a special project to address drone threats, emphasizing the importance of the endeavor despite acknowledging the time it may take. Defense Minister Katz stressed the significance of maintaining air superiority for the coming decades, citing the F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions as integral to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan aimed at enhancing IDF’s qualitative edge.
The ‘Shield of Israel’ plan focuses on advancing the Israeli Air Force’s capabilities through autonomous flight integration, next-gen defense systems, and establishing military dominance in space. The goal is to equip the IDF with the necessary tools and strength for operations anywhere and anytime. The IMOD Director General highlighted the strategic importance of the US-Israel relationship and the critical role of advanced air power in enhancing combat readiness.
