Full Breakdown
Israel Approves Massive Expansion of F-35 and F-15IA Fighter Fleets
5/3/2026, 11:31:50 AM
Procurement Decision Expands F-35 and F-15IA Squadrons
On 3 May 2026 Israel’s Ministerial Committee approved the purchase of a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron, contracts worth “tens of billions of shekels” and forming the first step of a 350-billion-shekel (US$119 billion) ten-year force-buildup plan. Israel currently operates 48 of 50 F-35I jets and plans to expand the fleet to 100, while the F-15IA program aims for 50 aircraft, with an initial batch of 25 ordered.
Regional Security Context
The approval follows the October 7 2023 Hamas attacks, two Iran-Iran wars in June 2025 and 2026, and extensive Israeli air strikes against Iranian proxies in Syria, Lebanon and Gaza. Officials say the conflicts highlighted the need for a larger, more advanced fleet to counter regional threats and sustain the U.S.–Israel partnership.
Government Statements
Defense Minister Israel Katz said the procurement reflects the decisive role shown in Operation Roaring Lion and the need to maintain air superiority. Director-General Amir Baram said the plan secures the IDF’s military edge for the next decade and underscores the strategic U.S.–Israel relationship.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Katz stated, "Operation Roaring Lion once again demonstrated the Israeli Air Force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel.” — Israel Katz, Defense Minister
- “The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come.” — Israel Katz, Defense Minister
- “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,” — Amir Baram, Director-General, Ministry of Defense
- “Lockheed Martin Israel's former CEO Joshua (Shiki) Shani has previously said, “We are proud to support the Israel Defense Forces in providing the F-35, and honored that the Israeli government has announced its intent to purchase additional F-35s.” — Joshua (Shiki) Shani, former CEO, Lockheed Martin Israel
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source cites a target of 100 F-35s, while another notes only 75 are contractually secured, leaving later deliveries unclear. The F-15IA schedule is also vague; the “eventual” 50-aircraft fleet could be ready by the early 2030s or later, with no firm dates.
Strategic Significance
Expanding the fifth-generation F-35 and advanced F-15IA fleets aims to preserve Israel’s qualitative edge over regional air defenses such as Iran’s S-300 and S-400 systems. The procurement also underpins the 350-billion-shekel plan to maintain strategic air superiority and readiness for a demanding decade of security challenges.
Next Steps
The Ministry of Defense will finalize agreements with U.S. counterparts. F-35 and F-15IA deliveries are slated for the late 2020s, alongside integration of autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defense systems under the “Shield of Israel” plan.
