Israel US Defense Deal: Israel will buy two more squadrons of F-35I and F-15IA fighter aircraft from America. This announcement was made by the Israeli Defense Minister on Sunday. The ministry has said in its statement that at the end of this week a Defense Deal Committee made up of senior ministers has approved the Defense Ministry’s plan. Under this, the fourth F-35I squadron will be purchased from Lockheed Martins and the second F-15IA squadron will be purchased from Boeing. The value of these deals is in billions.
According to Al Jazeera, while giving information, the Ministry said that these aircraft will strengthen the foundation of long-term development for the Israeli Army. We will also face changing regional threats. Defense Ministry Director General Amir Baram has instructed the ministry’s mission present in America that they will work towards finalizing the deal with the US government and military counterparts in the coming time.
The number of Israeli Air Force fleet will increase
With this, the number of F-35I fleet of Israeli Air Force will increase to 100 with the induction of aircraft in the coming years. The number of F-15IA fleet will increase to 50. Israel has 48 numbers of F-35I aircraft. These were part of the initial order of 50 aircraft.
An order for 25 more F-35 aircraft was placed in 2023. Their delivery is expected to start from 2028. Israel orders 25 F-15IA aircraft in 2024. Delivery of the first of these aircraft is expected to begin in 2031.
Israel is strengthening its military security
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has said that the recent war with Iran has once again demonstrated the power of the Israeli Air Force and its decisive role in Israel’s security.
Baram said that along with the immediate wartime procurement needs, we also have a responsibility to take steps now that will ensure the IDF’s military advantage ten years from now and beyond. Apart from this, Operation Roaring Lion has proved that the strategic relationship between America and Israel is important. Besides, advanced air power also remains necessary. Ships carrying 6,500 tons of military goods from America have reached Israel.