Israel Approves Purchase of Additional F-35Is and F-15IAs for Two New Squadrons

The Israeli Ministry of Defense has approved the purchase of additional F-35I and F-15IA fighter jets from the United States to form two new squadrons.

This was reported by The Times of Israel.

The decision will allow the country to establish a fourth F-35I squadron and a second F-15IA squadron, significantly strengthening its air capabilities.

As of now, Israel operates 48 F-35 fighters. The most recent delivery took place in January 2026, when the Air Force received three additional aircraft.

The aircraft are currently assigned to two combat squadrons: the 116th and 140th squadrons.

The 117th Squadron, “First Jet,” is also based at Nevatim Air Base. It serves as a training unit for pilot instruction, but is expected to become the third operational F-35 combat squadron.

Under existing agreements with Lockheed Martin, the total number of F-35 aircraft ordered by Israel is expected to reach 75. In June 2024, the government ordered an additional 25 F-35I fighter jets.

Israel’s F-15 fleet is significantly larger. In total, the country operates 66 earlier-model F-15 aircraft.

The Air Force also operates 25 F-15I “Ra’am” fighter jets.

The F-15A, B, C and D variants are operated by the 106th Squadron “The Spearhead” and the 133rd Squadron “The Twin Tail Knights” at Tel Nof Air Base. F-15I aircraft are assigned to the 69th Squadron at Hatzerim Air Base.

Israel’s new procurement includes the F-15IA (Israel Advanced), a specialized version of the U.S. F-15EX Eagle II fighter.

In November 2024, the Israeli Ministry of Defense signed an agreement with Boeing for the delivery of 25 aircraft.

The contract is valued at about $5.2 billion and is funded through U.S. military aid. It also includes an option to purchase an additional 25 aircraft in the future.