Securing Strategic Air Superiority: Israel Approves Procurement of New F-35 and F-15IA Squadrons in Multi-Billion Shekel Deal

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced on Sunday, May 3, 2026, that the Ministerial Committee for Procurement has greenlit a massive expansion of the nation’s aerial combat fleet. Israel is set to acquire two new squadrons: a fourth squadron of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 (Adir) stealth fighters and a second squadron of Boeing’s F-15IA advanced multi-role jets. This acquisition aims to ensure Israel’s qualitative military edge (QME) remains unchallenged amidst evolving regional security dynamics.

The Decadal Plan and Industrial Sovereignty Valued at tens of billions of shekels, the deal includes full integration into the Israeli Air Force (IAF), comprehensive maintenance services, spare parts, and specialized logistical support. This move marks the initial phase of a comprehensive 10-year military buildup plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, supported by a dedicated defense budget of 350 billion shekels. Notably, Netanyahu has emphasized that a significant portion of this strategic funding will be directed toward fostering an independent domestic arms industry, aiming for greater self-reliance in military production.