Jerusalem: Israeli officials have announced that Israel will spend 350 billion shekels (about $118.9 billion) on two new squadrons of F-35 and F-15IA fighter jets.
The Israeli Defense Ministry has confirmed final approval for the supply of aircraft from US-based Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
The ministry said in a statement that the deal, worth tens of billions of dollars, is the first step in a decade-long military build-up under the new budget.
Israeli Defense Minister The supply is said to be based on operational lessons learned from the war with Iran.
The Israeli defense minister continued, “Israel’s multi-theater engagements in the Middle East require us to accelerate our force buildup,” adding that the supply of aircraft is a key component of the “Magen Israel” program to ensure that the Israel Defense Forces maintain a sustainable advantage.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement that Israel will also develop a new, groundbreaking aircraft that will be a game-changer in warfare.
Translated by Chouk Bora
