Israel’s defense ministry on Sunday said that it has given final approval to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced fighter aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing in a deal worth tens of billions of dollars aimed at strengthening the country’s long-term military capability and air superiority.The deal includes the purchase of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets under a broader 350 billion shekel ($119 billion) defense modernization plan designed to boost Israel’s military readiness, according to the defense ministry.The plan was approved by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement and marks a major expansion of the country’s air power, including a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing, Reuters reported.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a significant part of the expanded defense budget will focus on domestic production of weapons and reducing dependence on foreign suppliers. “Much of this expanded defense budget will be to produce munitions in Israel and not be dependent on foreign countries,” he said. Netanyahu added that Israel will also develop ‘groundbreaking’ aircraft.Defense ministry Director General Amir Baram said the procurement is aimed at strengthening long-term readiness and maintaining Israel’s military edge. “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,” he said.Baram said the new squadrons will serve as a cornerstone of the military’s force development strategy to address regional threats and preserve air superiority. He also said the recent war with Iran underlined the importance of advanced air power and the strategic relationship with the United States.“The recent war with Iran reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” he said.Defense minister Israel Katz said the conflict with Iran highlighted the decisive role of the air force in national security. “The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.Katz added that the new aircraft would bring a technological leap, including integration of autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defense systems. “Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time. We will continue to invest, to grow stronger, and to stay ahead of our enemies,” he said.The next step in the process will involve finalizing agreements with the United States government and military counterparts. Earlier, Boeing had been awarded an $8.6 billion contract for Israel that included 25 F-15IA jets with an option for additional aircraft.
