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Israel Approves Massive F-35 and F-15IA Fighter Jet Procurement

Israel's Defence Ministry has approved the simultaneous procurement of a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The deal, valued at tens of billions of new Israeli shekels, includes full fleet integration, spare parts, and comprehensive sustainment. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the acquisitions are central to the "Shield of Israel" plan, which aims to give the IDF a lasting qualitative edge. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also announced a special project to deal with the threat of drones.

Key Points: Israel to Buy New F-35 and F-15IA Squadrons

  • Israel approves procurement of fourth F-35 squadron and second F-15IA squadron
  • Deal valued at tens of billions of new Israeli shekels
  • Part of 350-billion-NIS decade-long force buildup plan
  • Acquisition aims to ensure air superiority and integrate autonomous flight capabilities
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Israel to procure new squadrons of F-35 and F15IA: Defence Ministry

Israel's Defence Ministry approves procurement of new F-35 and F-15IA fighter squadrons worth tens of billions of shekels to boost air superiority.

"The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the 'Shield of Israel' plan - Israel Katz"

Jerusalem, May 3

Israel's Ministry of Defence plan to simultaneously acquire two new fighter squadrons: a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin, and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing, was approved by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement, the Ministry said on Sunday.

The procurement was bought before the committee by Defence Minister Israel Katz and IMOD Director General Major General (Reserve) Amir Baram.

The press statement by the Ministry said that the procurement is valued at tens of billions of INS (new Israeli shekel currency), which includes full fleet integration into the Israeli Air Force, spare parts, logistics and comprehensive sustainment.

"This is the first step in executing the IDF's decade-long force buildup plan, approved by the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) and Defence Minister (Israel Katz) under a dedicated 350-billion-NIS budget," It added.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that he ordered the establishment of a special project to deal with the threat of drones.

He added that it will take time, but "we are on it".

Defence Minister Katz said the lessons from Operation 'Roaring Lion' require them to keep pressing forward on force buildup and to ensure air superiority for the next few decades.

He highlighted that "the F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the 'Shield of Israel' plan, which is designed to give the IDF a lasting qualitative edge. As part of this plan, the Israeli Air Force will be expected to lead a major technological leap -- integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and establishing Israeli military dominance, both defensive and offensive, in space".

He added that the mission is to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time.

"Operation Roaring Lion reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains. The complementary capabilities of these two squadrons will give the Israeli Air Force the flexibility to handle a broad range of combat scenarios," the IMOD Director General said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Suresh O
These planes are expensive but Israel knows their neighborhood well. For India too, we need to balance between cost and capability. 350 billion NIS is a huge sum -- hope the Indian MoD gets similar urgency for our IAF.
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James A
Interesting how Israel invests heavily in air superiority despite having Iron Dome. Drone threats are real, we've seen that in Ukraine. Maybe India should also consider F-35s alongside our Rafales? 🤔
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Kavya N
The emphasis on autonomous flight and space dominance is very telling. India's own space defense aspirations could use similar focus. But 20-30 year plans feel too slow for the pace of modern warfare.
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Michael C
Respect to Israel for always staying ahead. But I wish our own defense procurement was this decisive. The 'Shield of Israel' plan sounds impressive, but we need similar vision for India's security challenges.
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Vikram M
Good for Israel, but let's also remember the human cost of all this military buildup. Every F-35 means less for schools and hospitals. Peace should be the real goal, not just air dominance. ⚖️
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Aman W
As an Indian, I admire Israel's strategic thinking. The F-15IA with its payload capacity and F-35

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