Israel is doubling down on its air force. The country's defense ministry said Sunday it has signed off on a massive aircraft-buy plan that will bring two additional fighter squadrons from Lockheed Martin Corp. (LMT) and Boeing Co. (BA). The move is part of a broader military modernization push aimed at preparing for what the ministry called a tougher security environment over the next decade.
The procurement committee's approval supports a $119 billion (350 billion shekel) program, according to a Reuters report. It includes a fourth squadron of Lockheed's F-35 stealth fighters and an additional squadron of Boeing's F-15IA jets. The ministry said the aircraft are intended to anchor long-range force planning and help Israel maintain air dominance.
Ministry director general Amir Baram framed the decision as a forward-looking investment. "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," Baram said.
The Iran conflict, he added, "reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains."
Israel's next step is to work through final arrangements with the U.S. government and military counterparts. Boeing already received an $8.6 billion award in December tied to Israel that included 25 F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.
Defense Minister Israel Katz also weighed in, saying the Iran fighting highlighted the air force's role in Israel's defense and argued the outcome calls for continued force expansion. "The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come," Katz said.
Katz also pointed to ambitions around autonomous flight features, upgraded defensive technology, and a push toward space-related military capabilities. "Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time," Katz said.
