Israel's government approved a $118 billion decade-long military modernization plan on May 4, 2026, including purchase of a fourth squadron of F-35I fighters from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighters from Boeing. The acquisitions will bring Israel's F-35I fleet to approximately 100 aircraft, double its current inventory, and expand F-15IA aircraft to 50 total. The deals are valued at tens of billions of shekels.
F-35 squadron procurement
- ▪The third squadron of F-35I aircraft is expected to be delivered starting in 2028
- ▪Receiving the fourth squadron will increase Israel's F-35I aircraft to approximately 100, double what Israel currently possesses
- ▪The Israeli government's ministerial committee for acquisitions approved the purchase of a fourth squadron of F-35I fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin on May 4, 2026
- ▪Israel ordered a third squadron of F-35I in July 2023, consisting of 25 new aircraft bought for $3 billion in American aid money
F-15 squadron procurement
- ▪Upon receiving the second squadron, Israel will double the number of F-15IA aircraft to 50
- ▪The December 2025 F-15IA procurement agreement included an option to expand the purchase to 25 additional aircraft in the future
- ▪Israel ordered 25 F-15IA aircraft as part of an $8.6 billion American aid package in December 2025
Military modernization budget
- ▪Israel's force-building plan for the coming decade has a total designated budget of 350 billion shekels ($118 billion)
- ▪The director-general of the Israeli Defense Ministry instructed the Israeli procurement delegation in the United States to proceed with signing the deals with the American government and military officials
- ▪The scope of the F-35I and F-15IA squadron transactions is estimated at tens of billions of shekels and includes the absorption of the squadrons into the Air Force, comprehensive support, spare parts and logistics
Aircraft technical specifications
- ▪The F-15IA has a payload capacity of up to 29,500 pounds, a digital fly-by-wire system, and advanced radar
- ▪The Israeli F-35I model integrates Israeli-made electronic warfare, communication and control systems into the aircraft's closed software
- ▪The F-35I is a stealth aircraft capable of penetrating deep into enemy territory and operating against advanced anti-aircraft systems
- ▪The F-15IA is Boeing's Israeli variant of the F-15EX, designed for heavy engagement and long-range missions
Strategic rationale
- ▪The F-35I and F-15IA squadron purchases are intended to ensure the superiority of the Israeli Air Force in the coming decades
- ▪The two new squadrons are being sought amid tensions with Tehran and due to operational lessons from Operation Lion Roar
Israeli Air Force expansion
- ▪The F-35I and F-15IA squadron purchases represent the first step in Israel's force-building plan for the coming decade
- ▪The Israeli Air Force will be required to make a technological leap, including the development of autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems, and the establishment of Israeli military superiority in space
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