Israel Approves Multi‑Billion‑Dollar US Jet Deal and Raises 2026 Defence Budget

Context Israel announced on Sunday that it will acquire two combat squadrons from the United States: a fleet of F‑35 stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin and a squadron of F‑15IA long‑range fighters from Boeing. The move follows a year of intensive air operations in Gaza, strikes against Iranian targets, and ongoing clashes with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Key Facts - The deal covers two full squadrons, a standard unit of 12‑24 aircraft, and is valued in the multi‑billion‑dollar range. - Defence Minister Israel Katz said the acquisitions are central to the “Shield of Israel” plan, which aims to keep Israel’s air superiority for decades. - Israel’s 2026 budget, approved this week, adds several billion dollars to defence spending, continuing a trend of rising military outlays since the October 2023 conflict. - The F‑35 is a fifth‑generation stealth jet capable of penetrating advanced air defenses; Israel already operates dozens of the type. The F‑15IA is a heavily upgraded version of the F‑15, designed for long‑range, high‑payload missions.

What It Means The purchase expands Israel’s high‑tech air fleet, giving the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) a broader mix of stealth and deep‑strike capabilities. By pairing the F‑35’s low‑observable technology with the F‑15IA’s range, the IDF can conduct both precision strikes and long‑distance missions without relying on external basing. The budget increase signals that Israel expects sustained security challenges, from Hamas and Hezbollah to a hostile Iran. Additional funding will likely support not only aircraft procurement but also related infrastructure, training, and missile systems needed to integrate the new jets. Analysts note that the deal deepens Israel’s reliance on US defence technology and may shape future procurement decisions, including potential upgrades to existing platforms. The expanded fleet could also affect regional power balances, prompting neighboring states to reassess their own air capabilities. What to watch next: Implementation timelines for the F‑35 and F‑15IA deliveries, and how the increased budget is allocated across Israel’s broader defence modernization program.