Israel approves purchase of fighter jets from the US

Key Points:

• Israel has approved a multibillion-dollar deal to purchase two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from US manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing, as part of a larger 350-billion-shekel ($119bn) military enhancement program.
• The deal includes acquiring a fourth F-35 squadron and a second squadron of F-15IA jets, with Boeing previously awarded an $8.6bn contract for 25 F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.
• Israeli officials emphasized the importance of maintaining air superiority amid ongoing conflicts with Iran, highlighting the strategic US-Israel relationship and the critical role of advanced air power.
• Prime Minister Netanyahu stated the purchase reinforces Israel’s air dominance, with pilots ready to operate deep within Iranian airspace if necessary, while Defence Minister Katz highlighted the technological advancements and future military dominance enabled by the new aircraft.
• The acquisition aims to secure Israel’s military edge for the next decade and beyond, integrating autonomous flight capabilities and next-generation defense systems to ensure sustained air superiority.