Arabic version: إسرائيل تُنهي صفقة كبيرة لشراء طائرات مقاتلة من الولايات المتحدة

Israel has given final approval for a multibillion-dollar deal to buy two new combat squadrons of advanced F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from United States manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing, the Ministry of Defence says. The decision was made by Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement as part of a broader initiative to enhance the country’s military capabilities, according to Al Jazeera.

This agreement marks the initial phase of a 350-billion-shekel ($119bn) program aimed at bolstering Israel’s armed forces. Defence Ministry Director General Amir Baram emphasized the urgency of securing military advantages not just for immediate needs but also for the future. He noted that the continuing US-Israel war on Iran has highlighted the critical nature of the US-Israel strategic relationship and the importance of advanced air power.

Under the new deal, Israel would buy a fourth F-35 squadron from Lockheed Martin and a second squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from Boeing. Earlier in December, Boeing was awarded an $8.6bn contract that included 25 new F-15IAs, with an option for an additional 25.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that this purchase reinforces Israel’s overwhelming air superiority, which has been crucial during recent military operations against Iran. He asserted that Israeli pilots are prepared to reach anywhere in Iranian airspace if necessary. Defence Minister Israel Katz echoed this sentiment, stating that the lessons of the recent military campaigns require Israel to keep pressing forward on force build-up to ensure air superiority for decades to come.