The purchase includes a squadron of F-35 multi-role stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin and another of F-15IA warplanes from Boeing, the defence ministry said.
The plan aims to “ensure Israel’s air superiority for decades to come,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
The plan aims to “ensure Israel’s air superiority for decades to come,” Defence Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.
The F-35 and F-15IA acquisitions are central to the ‘Shield of Israel’ plan, which is designed to give the IDF (Israeli military) a lasting qualitative edge.
“Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time,” Katz added
The F-35, a joint project between the United States and a number of allies, is one of the world’s most advanced military aircraft. Israel already operates several dozen of the jets.
Alongside immediate wartime procurement needs, we have a responsibility to act now to secure the IDF’s military edge 10 years from now and beyond,” said the ministry’s director general, Amir Baram, referring to the Israel Defense Forces.
The recent war with Iran “reinforced just how critical the U.S.-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains,” he added.
Under the deal, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing.
In December, Boeing was given an $8.6 billion contract for Israel including 25 new F-15IAs and an option for 25 more.
Baram said the next step would be to move forward with finalizing the agreements with the U.S. government and military counterparts.
The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on Feb. 28, but a ceasefire has been in place since April 8. The U.S. Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said the Iranian conflict demonstrated the air force’s power and its decisive role in protecting Israel.
“The lessons of that campaign require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” he said.
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