Full Breakdown
Israel Approves Purchase of Two New Fighter Squadrons Amid Post-Iran War Buildup
5/5/2026, 9:28:34 PM
New Squadrons Approved
Israel’s Ministerial Committee for Acquisitions authorized the purchase of a fourth F-35I “Adir” squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second F-15IA squadron from Boeing. The Defense Ministry presented the decision as the first step in a decade-long force-building plan.
Strategic Context and the 350-Billion-Shekel “Shield of Israel” Plan
The acquisitions are embedded in a 350 billion-shekel (? $118-$119 billion) program dubbed “Shield of Israel” (Magen Israel). The plan, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is intended to “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade for Israeli security.”
Key Decision-Makers
- Benjamin Netanyahu – Prime Minister, outlined the strategic rationale.
- Israel Katz – Defense Minister, cited operational lessons from the recent Iran campaign.
- Amir Baram – Director General, Ministry of Defense, oversaw the procurement process.
- Lockheed Martin and Boeing – manufacturers of the F-35I and F-15IA aircraft.
Timeline of Procurement Decisions
- July 2023: Approval of a third F-35I squadron (25 aircraft).
- Nov 2024: Approval of the first F-15IA squadron (25 aircraft).
- May 3 2026: Committee approves the fourth F-35I and second F-15IA squadrons.
- 2028-2031 (projected): Initial deliveries of the new F-35I and F-15IA aircraft.
Scope, Costs, and Fleet Impact
Each squadron typically comprises 25 jets. The new purchases will double the F-35I fleet from roughly 50 to 100 aircraft and the F-15IA fleet from 25 to 50. Contracts, described as “tens of billions of shekels,” include full integration, sustainment, spare parts, and logistics support. The F-35I retains Israeli-specific electronic-warfare and communications suites; the F-15IA offers a payload capacity of up to 29,500 lb and advanced radar.
Strategic Implications for Israeli Air Power
Officials argue the combined capabilities will give the Israeli Air Force flexibility across long-range strike, high-payload missions, and stealth penetration of defended airspace. The acquisitions respond to operational lessons from “Operation Roaring Lion,” the recent 40-day Iran campaign, and aim to safeguard air superiority for the coming decades.
Official Statements & Responses
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s pilots can operate anywhere in Iran’s skies and that the new aircraft reinforce “overwhelming air superiority.” Katz linked the purchase to lessons learned in the Iran war, asserting the need to press forward on force buildup. Baram stressed a responsibility to secure the IDF’s edge for ten years and highlighted the strategic importance of the U.S.–Israel partnership.
Criticism & Opposition
Analyses note that the United States faces “severe criticism for arming Israel,” especially amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, where civilian casualties have been reported. Critics argue that expanding high-cost fighter fleets may exacerbate regional tensions and divert resources from humanitarian concerns.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Israel is stronger than ever, and Israel must always be much stronger than our enemies,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
- “Our pilots can reach any point in the skies of Iran, and they are prepared to do so if required. We have incredible aircraft and we have incredible pilots,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
- “Operation Roaring Lion once again demonstrated the Israeli Air Force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel. 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
- “reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains.” — Amir Baram, Director General, Ministry of Defense
Next Steps
Baram instructed the Ministry’s U.S. mission to finalize agreements with American officials. Deliveries are slated to begin in 2028 for the F-35I squadron and around 2031 for the F-15IA squadron, with full fleet integration expected over the next decade. Financing will draw on existing U.S. security assistance and Israel’s domestic defense budget, pending renewal of the aid framework beyond 2028.
