[Regnum] The Israeli Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of a large batch of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets from the United States. This was reported by the ministry's press service on May 3.
According to the agency, the contracts are valued at tens of billions of shekels, although the exact number of aircraft being purchased and the final cost of the deal have not yet been disclosed.
The Israeli Air Force will receive its fourth squadron of Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighters and a second squadron of Boeing F-15IA multirole fighters.
The Ministry of Defense explained that the agreements encompass not only the delivery of equipment but also the deep integration of the vehicles into existing digital troop command and control systems. Furthermore, comprehensive maintenance, uninterrupted supply of spare parts, and full logistical support are provided.
"The purchase of the F-35 and F-15IA is central to the Israel Shield plan, which is designed to provide the IDF with long-term qualitative superiority," said Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz.
Katz emphasized that the aviation sector is awaiting significant technological modernization, including the introduction of autonomous flight solutions and the latest generation of defense systems. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the IDF's dominance in space to carry out both defensive and offensive missions.
On April 17, Democratic U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen demanded an end to arms sales to Israel. He claimed that the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facilitated the attack on Iran. Tel Aviv launched an offensive in Lebanon and continues to harm civilians in the West Bank and Gaza, Hollen noted.
| The Times of Israel adds: |
Currently, Israel has 48 F-35I jets, following an initial order of 50. Another 25 F-35s were ordered in 2023, which are expected to be delivered starting in 2028. Israel ordered 25 F-15IA jets in 2024, and the first are expected to be delivered starting in 2031.
SHIPMENTS FROM US CARRYING 6,500 TONS OF MILITARY GEAR ARRIVE IN ISRAEL
Last week, two cargo ships and several planes carrying 6,500 tons of military equipment from the United States, including thousands of munitions and light armored utility vehicles, arrived in Israel, the Defense Ministry said.
The ships, which docked at the Haifa and Ashdod ports, were carrying "thousands of air munitions, ground munitions, military trucks, JLTV combat mobility vehicles, and additional equipment," the ministry said.
The 6,500 tons of equipment were loaded onto trucks and taken to various military bases across the country.
Baram said the procurement operation "will continue and intensify in the coming weeks."
The ministry said that since the start of the war with Iran
on February 28, more than 115,600 tons of military equipment have arrived in Israel on 403 flights and 10 ships.Katz said the ministry’s goal is "to ensure that the IDF receives all the necessary means so that it can return to operating at full strength against our enemies at any time and in any place required."
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