Key Points
- Israel approves purchase of two fighter jet squadrons from the United States
- Deal includes F-35 stealth fighters and F-15IA warplanes
- Defence Minister says move aims to secure “qualitative military edge”
- Military expansion comes amid the ongoing Gaza war and regional conflicts
ISLAMABAD: Israel has approved a multi-billion-dollar agreement to purchase advanced fighter jets from the United States, marking a major expansion of its air force capability amid continuing military campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon.
The Israeli defence ministry said on Sunday that the deal includes the acquisition of one squadron of F-35 multi-role stealth fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin and another squadron of F-15IA warplanes produced by Boeing.
Defence Minister Israel Katz described the procurement as a strategic investment in the country’s long-term security, saying it is intended to ensure Israel’s air superiority “for decades to come.”
He added that the purchases are central to what he called the “Shield of Israel” plan, designed to maintain the Israeli military’s qualitative edge in the region.
“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,” Katz said in a statement.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time.”
The F-35, developed as a multinational programme led by the United States, is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced combat aircraft.
Israel already operates a fleet of stealth jets and has previously integrated them into long-range strike missions.
Israel’s air force has played a central role in Gaza’s destruction and killing of thousands of civilians during the so-called extensive bombing operations.
Israel says it targeted Hamas infrastructure, including tunnels, command centres and rocket launch sites.
Independent observers, including the UN agencies, say the majority of nearly one hundred thousand civilians killed were women and children.
Large parts of the densely populated territory have been heavily damaged during the campaign, including residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
Israeli forces have also carried out operations beyond Gaza, including reported strikes linked to confrontations with Iran and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The new procurement comes shortly after Israel approved its 2026 national budget, which includes a significant rise in defence spending.
Military expenditure has increased steadily since the Gaza conflict erupted following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
In recent months, Israel has also been involved in broader regional confrontations, including a brief but intense period of strike exchanges with Iran and continued exchanges with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
