Israel is planning one of the largest expansions of its air force in decades, with a fourth F-35 stealth squadron bringing its planned fleet to 100 aircraft and a second squadron of advanced F-15IA fighters eventually doubling that fleet to 50 jets. The multi-billion-shekel acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to secure Israel’s ability to strike distant targets, penetrate sophisticated air defenses and maintain air superiority across the Middle East.

By Hezy Laing

On May 3, 2026, Israel’s Ministerial Committee on Procurement approved plans to acquire two additional fighter squadrons from American manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The purchases are central to the government’s ‘Shield of Israel’ (Magen Israel) program, a decade-long military buildup backed by a dedicated NIS 350 billion budget, approximately $119 billion. The aircraft deals themselves are valued at tens of billions of shekels and include logistical support, spare parts and fleet integration.

F-35I: Expanding Israel’s stealth capabilities

The fourth F-35 squadron will eventually bring Israel’s fleet to approximately 100 aircraft. This includes the original order of 50 jets, a further 25 purchased in 2023 and approximately 25 in the newly approved acquisition.

Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, the F-35 Lightning II combines radar-evading stealth technology with advanced sensors, intelligence gathering and precision-strike capabilities. Israel operates a customized version known as the F-35I Adir, incorporating Israeli-developed electronic warfare, communications and computing systems.

Israel is also developing ways to extend the aircraft’s operational range. In May 2026, the Defense Ministry signed a contract worth more than $34 million with Elbit Systems subsidiary Cyclone to develop external fuel tanks for the F-35I, reducing its dependence on aerial refueling during long-distance missions.

F-15IA: Bringing overwhelming firepower

The second acquisition involves Boeing’s F-15IA, Israel’s customized version of the advanced F-15EX Eagle II. The additional squadron is expected to bring the planned Israeli F-15IA fleet from 25 to approximately 50 aircraft.

Unlike the F-35, which specializes in stealth and penetrating defended airspace, the F-15IA is designed to carry substantial weapons loads over long distances. The F-15EX platform can carry up to 29,500 pounds of weapons and equipment and features advanced radar and electronic warfare systems.

The two aircraft offer complementary capabilities: the F-35 can penetrate sophisticated defenses and gather intelligence, while the F-15IA provides the heavy firepower needed for large-scale strike missions.

Tankers and Israeli technology extend operational reach

The fighter expansion is accompanied by a major investment in aerial refueling. Israel has ordered six Boeing KC-46 Pegasus tankers, known locally as Gideon, with the first aircraft arriving at Nevatim Airbase in May 2026.

The new tankers will replace aging Boeing 707 refueling aircraft and allow Israeli fighters to remain airborne longer and conduct more demanding long-range operations. They can also perform military transport and other missions.

Together with the locally developed F-35 external fuel tanks, the tankers form an important part of Israel’s effort to increase its operational reach.

American production, Israeli independence

The expansion highlights the importance of Israel’s military relationship with the United States, which supplies the aircraft and provides essential technological and logistical support.

At the same time, Israel is investing in domestic defense industries to adapt American platforms and develop more of its own military technology.

However, approval does not mean that the new aircraft have been formally ordered. An August report warned that budget disputes were delaying critical procurement agreements and could put valuable production-line positions at risk.

Preparing for the next decade

The previously ordered third F-35 squadron is expected to begin arriving in 2028, while deliveries of the first F-15IA aircraft are expected from 2031. The newly approved squadrons will require additional agreements before their delivery schedules can be established.

The broader Shield of Israel program also includes autonomous flight capabilities, next-generation defense systems and expanded military activity in space.

With 100 F-35s, 50 F-15IAs and a modernized aerial refueling fleet planned, Israel is preparing an air force built around stealth, long-range firepower and technological innovation. The objective is not simply to acquire more aircraft, but to preserve the ability to operate against increasingly sophisticated threats far beyond Israel’s borders.