Israel approves multibillion-pound deal for advanced US fighter jets

WEB DESK: Israel has formally greenlit a landmark defence agreement to procure two new squadrons of advanced fighter aircraft from American aerospace giants Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The deal, worth tens of billions of dollars, is designed to bolster the nation’s aerial capabilities following a period of intense regional volatility.

The Ministerial Committee on Procurement gave the final go-ahead for the acquisition of F-35 and F-15IA jets, marking the initial phase of a broader 350b shekel (£74b) long-term military investment.

Defence officials stated on Sunday that the move is essential to “strengthen readiness ahead of a demanding decade” and ensure the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) maintain a qualitative military edge over regional adversaries.

Strategic superiority and long-term security

The Ministry of Defence emphasised that these new squadrons will form the “cornerstone” of the military’s force development.

Under the approved terms, Israel will acquire its fourth squadron of Lockheed Martin’s F-35 stealth fighters and a second squadron of Boeing’s F-15IA jets.

This follows an $8.6b contract awarded to Boeing in December, which included 25 F-15IAs with an option for an additional 25, according to Reuters.

Director General Amir Baram noted that recent direct engagements with Iran underscored the “critical” nature of the US-Israel strategic partnership.

“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,” Baram said.

The ministry will now move to finalise the formal agreements with US government and military counterparts.

Technological leaps and regional dominance

Defence Minister Israel Katz highlighted that the lessons learned from recent campaigns including airstrikes on Iran in February and ongoing operations against Hamas and Hezbollah necessitate a continuous buildup of force.

He suggested the new aircraft would represent a significant technological evolution, integrating autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defence systems, and an expanded military presence in space.

While a ceasefire has been in place since 8 April following the Iranian conflict, the US Navy continues to maintain a blockade of Iranian ports.

Minister Katz reiterated that the mission remains to ensure the IDF can “operate anywhere, at any time.” The investment is seen as a vital step in preserving Israeli air superiority for decades to come, ensuring the country stays ahead of evolving threats in a complex geopolitical landscape.