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Israel Approves Plan to Purchase F-35 and F-15 Jets from United States
Israel's defense ministry has approved a plan to buy two new squadrons of F-35 and F-15Ia aircraft from Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The deal, worth tens of billions of shekels, comes amid reflections on recent conflicts. A U.S. military officer highlighted the role of American support in Israel's air defenses during the 12 Day War.
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Israel’s defense ministry has approved a plan to purchase new F-35 and F-15 fighter jets from the United States. The agreement covers two combat squadrons of F-35 and F-15I aircraft produced by Lockheed Martin and Boeing. The ministry announced the decision on Sunday, May 3, 2026, in Jerusalem. The deal is valued in the tens of billions of shekels.
The purchase follows the 12 Day War with Iran. ” One account described Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar on the ground in Beersheba, a block from where a ballistic missile struck, and stated that he watched Israel’s air defense system nearly collapse in real time during the fighting.
The defense ministry statement did not provide additional details on the exact number of aircraft, delivery timelines, or specific capabilities the new jets are intended to address. No public comment on the purchase has been released by the U.S. Department of Defense as of the date of the announcement.
The original U.S. support during the 12 Day War was referenced in social media reporting but not elaborated in the ministry’s announcement.
