Source TOI
JERUSALEM – In a move to cement long-term regional air superiority, the Israeli Ministerial Committee on Procurement officially approved a massive defense deal on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The agreement authorizes the purchase of two new fighter jet squadrons—comprising Lockheed Martin’s F-35I “Adir” stealth fighters and Boeing’s F-15IA “Israel Advanced” aircraft.
The acquisition is part of a broader NIS 350-billion ($118 billion) “Shield of Israel” plan. This decade-long roadmap aims to modernize the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in response to evolving regional threats, particularly following recent direct escalations with Iran.
Doubling the Strike Force
The approval marks a significant scaling up of Israel’s previous procurement goals. According to the Defense Ministry, the plan will eventually see Israel’s fifth-generation F-35 fleet double from 50 to 100 aircraft, while the F-15IA fleet will expand to 50 units.
F-35I Adir: Known for its stealth and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the fourth squadron of F-35s will provide the IDF with unmatched “first-look, first-shot” capabilities in contested environments.
F-15IA (Advanced Eagle): Based on the F-15EX Eagle II, these jets are designed for heavy payloads and long-range missions. They will feature Israeli-specific modifications in avionics and weapon systems, serving as the “heavy lifters” to complement the stealthy F-35s.
A Message to Regional Rivals
Following the committee’s decision, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that the expansion is a vital deterrent.
“Israel is stronger than ever, and we must always remain significantly more powerful than our enemies,” Netanyahu stated. “Our pilots can reach any point in the skies of Iran if required. We have the aircraft, the pilots, and the resolve to operate anywhere, at any time.”
Defense Minister Israel Katz echoed these sentiments, noting that the new squadrons are the “cornerstone” of the IDF’s force development. He highlighted that the 2026 budget increase is specifically designed to ensure Israel retains its Qualitative Military Edge (QME) for decades to come.
Timeline and Logistics
While the approval is a major milestone, the delivery of these advanced platforms will be phased over several years:
F-35 Deliveries: Additional units from existing and new orders are expected to begin arriving in 2028.
F-15IA Deliveries: Production and integration of the specialized F-15IA variants are slated to commence around 2031.
The deal also includes a strategic push for defense self-reliance. Much of the expanded budget will be allocated to the domestic production of munitions and “groundbreaking” indigenous aircraft technology to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains during times of conflict.
Key Figures of the Deal
Total Defense Framework: NIS 350 billion (~$119 billion)
* F-35 Goal: 100 aircraft (4 Squadrons)
* F-15IA Goal: 50 aircraft (2 Squadrons)
* Primary Suppliers: Lockheed Martin and Boeing (USA)
