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Israel Approves $119 B Defense Plan, Adds F-35, F-15 Squadrons

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel approved a multi-billion-shekel deal, with the defence ministry giving final approval, to add a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron.
The 350-billion-shekel (US$119 billion) ten-year plan will raise defence spending to nearly NIS 150 billion and give Israel 100 F-35s, over 100 upgraded F-16s and at least 50 new F-15IA jets, replacing 1970s fleets, which Defence Minister Israel Katz said will enable autonomous flight, next-generation defence systems and space dominance.

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Story summary

Israel approved a multi-billion-shekel deal, with the defence ministry giving final approval, to add a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron.
The 350-billion-shekel (US$119 billion) ten-year plan will raise defence spending to nearly NIS 150 billion and give Israel 100 F-35s, over 100 upgraded F-16s and at least 50 new F-15IA jets, replacing 1970s fleets, which Defence Minister Israel Katz said will enable autonomous flight, next-generation defence systems and space dominance.