TEL AVIV, May 4 (V7N) — The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Sunday that it has approved a landmark multi-billion-dollar agreement with the United States to acquire two new squadrons of advanced combat aircraft. The deal includes a squadron of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighters and a squadron of Boeing’s F-15IA warplanes.

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the acquisition as a cornerstone of the "Shield of Israel" plan, aimed at maintaining the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) qualitative military edge in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.
Strengthening Long-Term Air Superiority

The purchase is designed to modernize Israel’s aerial fleet and ensure operational dominance for decades.

The F-35 Squadron: Known for its multi-role stealth capabilities, the F-35 allows for penetration of advanced enemy air defenses. Israel already operates several dozen of these jets.

The F-15IA Squadron: These Boeing-manufactured jets are expected to provide heavy-payload capabilities and long-range strike power, complementing the stealth of the F-35.

"Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time," Minister Katz stated.
Escalating Defense Spending

The deal comes on the heels of Israel's newly approved 2026 budget, which includes a multi-billion-dollar increase in defense allocations. Military spending has surged consistently since the onset of the war in Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attacks.
Strategic Context: Regional Conflicts

Israel’s air force has been the primary instrument of its military strategy over the past year:

Gaza and Lebanon: The IAF has conducted intensive bombardment campaigns against Hamas in Gaza and continues to strike Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

Confrontation with Iran: Within the last 12 months, Israel has engaged in two direct military confrontations with Iran, utilizing its air power for long-range strikes deep into Iranian territory to degrade strategic industrial and military infrastructure.

Israeli officials emphasize that the procurement of these advanced American platforms is essential to countering threats from Iran and its regional proxies, ensuring that Israel can respond to multi-front challenges simultaneously.

END/WD/RH/