Israel has approved a major defence deal to purchase new squadrons of advanced fighter jets from U.S. manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the country’s defence ministry said on Sunday (3 May).
The agreement includes plans to acquire a fourth squadron of F-35 aircraft and a second squadron of F-15IA jets, in a programme worth tens of billions of dollars.
It forms part of a broader 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) strategy aimed at strengthening Israel’s military capabilities over the coming decade.
Officials said the move had been approved by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement and would play a central role in maintaining the country’s long-term air power.
Amir Baram, director general of the defence ministry, said the decision reflected both current needs and future planning. “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,” he said, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
He added that recent conflict had underlined the importance of close ties with Washington. “The recent war with Iran reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” Baram said.
The deal follows an earlier agreement in December, when Boeing was awarded a contract worth $8.6 billion for 25 F-15IA jets, with an option for 25 more.
Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said the conflict with Iran had demonstrated the significance of air power in national defence.
“The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.
Katz added that the new aircraft would bring advances in autonomous flight systems and next-generation defence technologies. “Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time,” he said.
The approval marks an initial step, with negotiations set to continue with U.S. government and military counterparts before the agreements are finalised.
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