Israel has decided to purchase two more squadrons of advanced fighter jets from the United States
The move was announced by the Israeli Ministry of Defense this Sunday, May 3, 2026, and follows lessons learned from the recent war against Iran.
A committee of senior ministers approved the plan over the weekend.
The goal is to strengthen the Israeli Air Force and maintain long-term air superiority.
The plan includes the acquisition of a fourth squadron of F-35I fighter jets, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, and a second squadron of F-15IAs, from Boeing.
These aircraft are versions adapted to Israel’s needs.
The contracts are expected to be worth tens of billions of shekels.
Following the approval, the Director-General of the Ministry of Defense, Amir Baram, instructed the Israeli team in the United States to finalize agreements with the American government and armed forces in the coming weeks.
With this purchase, the Israeli Air Force’s F-35I fleet should reach 100 aircraft in the coming years.
Currently, Israel already operates 48 of these stealth fighters, following an initial order of 50.
Another 25 were ordered in 2023 and will begin arriving from 2028.
The F-15IA fleet, the Israeli version of the modern F-15EX, should reach 50 aircraft.
Israel ordered 25 units in 2024, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2031.
Defense Minister Israel Katz explained that the recent war with Iran once again demonstrated the power of the Air Force and its decisive role in protecting the country.
“The lessons of this campaign compel us to continue strengthening our forces to ensure air superiority for decades,” he said.
Amir Baram added that, in addition to the immediate needs of the war, it is necessary to guarantee Israel’s military advantage for the next ten years and beyond.
The Air Force chief, Major General Tomer Bar, highlighted that the decision is the result of long and detailed work done by the institution.
The new squadrons were recommended after years of professional evaluation, considering the changing threats in the Middle East.
“These aircraft will significantly strengthen the Air Force and allow us to continue operating with determination, flexibility, and superiority against any challenge,” stated Bar.
He also recalled the strong cooperation with the United States, which intensified during Operation Roaring Lion, the name given to the 40-day conflict with Iran.
In addition to the fighter jet purchase, the Ministry of Defense reported that last week two cargo ships and several aircraft arrived in Israel carrying 6,500 tons of American military equipment.
The material includes thousands of rounds of air and ground munitions, military trucks, and JLTV-type light armored vehicles.
Everything was unloaded at the ports of Haifa and Ashdod and distributed to bases throughout the country.
Since the start of the war with Iran on February 28, more than 115,600 tons of military equipment have arrived in Israel in 403 flights and 10 ships.
Minister Katz emphasized that the goal is to ensure that the Israel Defense Forces have all the necessary means to operate at full capacity against enemies, anytime and anywhere.
This acquisition reinforces Israel’s commitment to maintaining a modern and dominant Air Force, essential for the country’s security in a challenging region.
The new fighter jets will represent the cornerstone of the future development of the Israeli armed forces, helping to confront constantly evolving threats and preserving strategic air superiority.
Published in 05/05/2026 17h59
Text adapted by AI (Grok) and translated via Google API in the English version. Images from public image libraries or credits in the caption.
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