Israel approves multi-billion deal for new F-35, F-15IA fighter jets: All about the agreement

Under the agreement, Israel will purchase a fourth F-35 squadron and a second F-15IA squadron, with deliveries expected to run from 2026 into the early-to-mid 2030s.

The long-term plan envisages a fleet of roughly 100 F-35s, more than 100 upgraded F-16s and at least 50 F-15IA fighters, with some older F-15s potentially remaining in service if deemed operational.

Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved the multibillion-dollar plan to acquire two new fighter squadrons (F-35 and F-15IA) as part of a wider 350 billion shekel military buildup.

In a separate incident, an F-15E was brought down by Iranian forces inside Iranian territory.

The New York Times reported that the country may have deployed an advanced air defence system, possibly including platforms such as the Third Khordad, to target a F-15.

In April 2026, three F-15E Strike Eagles from the US Air Force were lost during the war in a friendly-fire incident over Kuwaiti airspace; all crew survived.

In January 2026, the defence ministry announced an NIS 80 million package to upgrade F-16 self-protection systems.

In mid-January 2026, three F-35I aircraft arrived at Nevatim, bringing the fleet to 48 of 50.

The $8.6 billion Boeing contract signed in December includes 25 F-15IA jets with an option for 25 more, enabling Israel to field up to 50 of the aircraft.

By early 2025, the F-35 fleet had logged over 15,000 operational flight hours across multiple fronts.

Additional steps were taken in mid-2024 as part of the F-35 programme, supporting the broader acquisition plan.

In 2023, Israel, the US government and Lockheed Martin signed a deal for 25 additional F-35s, raising the total to 75 and forming a third squadron, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027 following additional steps taken in mid-2024.