Israel to purchase 50 F-35s, 25 new F-15s, doubling fleet sizes

Key Points:

• Israel has announced plans to double its F-35 fleet from 50 to 100 aircraft and its F-15IA fleet from 25 to 50, reflecting a significant increase in defense spending by NIS 350 billion over the next decade.
• The decision follows recent conflicts and the demonstrated effectiveness of both aircraft types, prompting the government to invest heavily in acquiring and integrating two new fighter squadrons with comprehensive support and logistics.
• The expanded fleets are central to Israel's long-term "Shield of Israel" plan, aiming to maintain air superiority through advanced technologies, including autonomous flight and next-generation defense systems, to address evolving regional threats.
• Israel's F-35 program, operational since 2017, has played a critical role in recent conflicts, including strikes against Iranian targets, and the aircraft have been modified for enhanced combat capabilities such as wing-mounted JDAM munitions.
• Alongside the F-35 expansion, Israel is upgrading its older F-15s with new F-15IA models and enhancing its F-16 fleet’s self-protection systems, ensuring a comprehensive modernization of its air force over the coming years.