Israel Greenlights Major Air Force Expansion with New F-35 and F-15 Squadrons

Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement has approved a major strengthening of the Israel Air Force, greenlighting the acquisition of a fourth squadron of F-35I Adir stealth fighters and an additional squadron of advanced F-15IA multirole jets.

The plan calls for roughly 25 aircraft in each new squadron as the opening phase of a sweeping, decade-long IDF modernization drive valued at hundreds of billions of shekels. Upon completion, Israel’s fleet of F-35I Adir jets will expand to approximately 100 aircraft, while its F-15IA force will reach 50. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2028 for the F-35s and around 2031 for the F-15s.

Defense Minister Israel Katz highlighted the air force’s outstanding performance in recent operations, particularly against Iranian targets. He stressed the necessity of securing enduring air superiority in the face of persistent regional threats. The multibillion-shekel packages will feature comprehensive U.S. support, integration, and involvement of Israeli defense industries.

The dual acquisition draws directly from operational lessons of recent conflicts, where the complementary strengths of stealthy F-35s for penetrating enemy defenses and powerful F-15s for heavy, long-range strikes proved decisive. The F-35I, uniquely customized with Israeli avionics and weapons, will enhance deep-strike capabilities, while the F-15IA will provide unmatched payload and range.

This move builds on existing contracts for earlier batches of both aircraft types and ensures the IAF maintains a decisive qualitative edge. Israeli companies are expected to play significant roles in production, maintenance, and upgrades.

The decision, backed by strong U.S. partnership and largely financed through American military aid, underscores Israel’s commitment to long-term deterrence and operational readiness amid an evolving security landscape. Additional details on timelines and implementation are expected soon.