"This is the first step in a plan to spend 350 billion shekels (119 billion USD) to enhance the strength and combat readiness of the Israeli military in the coming decade of security challenges," the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated in a press release today.

Israel's Defense Procurement Committee, comprising several cabinet ministers, previously approved the plan to acquire two additional squadrons of F-15IA and F-35I fighter jets, manufactured by US corporations Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

The Times of Israel reported that this plan will increase the total number of F-35I stealth fighter jets in the Israeli Air Force to 100 aircraft, while the F-15IA force will increase to 50 aircraft.

Israeli F-35 fighter jet en route to strike Iran in an image posted on 3/3. *Photo: IDF*

According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, the new squadrons will play a pivotal role in the military's long-term force development, helping maintain air superiority and respond to regional threats.

"The recent conflict with Iran once again clearly demonstrated the vital importance of the strategic relationship between the US and Israel, and affirmed that modern air power remains an essential factor," said Amir Baram, chief of operations at the Israeli Ministry of Defense.

The Israel Defense Forces currently operates 48 of the 50 aircraft ordered in the initial deal. Tel Aviv ordered an additional 25 F-35I jets in 2023, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.

In 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Defense also ordered 25 F-15IA heavy fighter jets, with the first batch expected to be delivered from 2031.

Israel was the second country, after the US, to receive F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin and is among the few nations permitted to modify this advanced aircraft. The F-35I is a version developed specifically for the Israeli Air Force, based on the F-35A variant, integrating numerous indigenous technologies to counter threats from Iran.

Meanwhile, the F-15IA is developed from the most modern F-15EX variant in the US military's inventory, incorporating modifications requested by Israel.

Nhu Tam (According to Reuters, Times of Israel)