Tel Aviv, Israel – The Israeli government’s Ministerial Committee for Arms Procurement approved on Sunday a defense plan described as the largest in the history of the Israeli Air Force. The plan entails the purchase of new squadrons of advanced American F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets in a single acquisition. This move, estimated to cost tens of billions of shekels, comes amid escalating regional tensions. Furthermore, its significance is underscored by the race to bolster Israel’s qualitative air superiority in the region.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, the Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed that this step is the first building block in implementing the military’s plan for the next decade. This plan, approved by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defense, has a total budget of 350 billion shekels. The plan aims to modernize the military arsenal to counter evolving threats on multiple fronts.
Support and logistics details
According to the official statement issued by the Ministry, the deal includes not only the supply of aircraft but also a comprehensive support package. This package ensures the integration of the two new squadrons into the operational activities of the Israeli Air Force. It also includes the provision of spare parts and the necessary infrastructure for long-term maintenance. In addition, it provides integrated logistical services to guarantee continuous combat readiness.
Historic leap in military spending
This deal comes at a time of explosive growth in Israeli military spending. Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that military spending increased by approximately 80% between 2023 and 2025. Military spending reached $48.3 billion last year, compared to $27.1 billion in 2023.
Observers attribute this sharp rise to the repercussions of the Gaza war that erupted in October 2013, and the subsequent large-scale military escalation on multiple fronts. These fronts included direct and indirect confrontations with parties in Lebanon and Yemen. Furthermore, events culminated in a direct confrontation with Iran. These developments underscore Tel Aviv’s pursuit of establishing a new deterrence equation. This new deterrence equation relies on technological superiority and the immense firepower provided by fifth-generation aircraft and advanced air superiority fighters.
