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3. Israel Expands Air Power with F-35I and F-15IA Deal Following Lessons from Iran Conflict

Israel has approved the acquisition of two additional fighter jet squadrons from the United States. The deal includes a fourth squadron of F-35I stealth fighters and a second squadron of F-15IA strike aircraft, both supplied by U.S. defense manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing.

The announcement, made by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, follows what officials described as “operational lessons learned” from the recent conflict with Iran. The procurement committee, composed of senior ministers, approved the plan over the weekend, describing it as a cornerstone of Israel’s long-term force development strategy.

The ministry said the new aircraft will “address evolving regional threats and preserve Israel’s strategic air superiority,” underscoring the central role of advanced airpower in Israel’s defense doctrine.

The deal is valued at tens of billions of shekels and forms part of a broader long-term defense expansion program. Officials noted that the acquisition is designed not only to replenish and expand existing fleets but also to prepare for what they describe as a “demanding decade for Israeli security.”

F-35I “Adir” (Lockheed Martin)

The F-35I “Adir” is Israel’s customized version of the F-35A stealth fighter developed by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for operations in highly contested environments where advanced air defense systems are present.

The aircraft’s core feature is its stealth architecture, which reduces radar visibility and allows penetration of sophisticated integrated air defense networks. It also uses sensor fusion technology, combining data from onboard radar, infrared sensors, and electronic warfare systems into a unified operational picture for the pilot.

The F-35I is equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities that can disrupt enemy radar and communications systems. It carries weapons internally to maintain its stealth profile, while its networked combat systems allow it to share real-time targeting data with other aircraft and command centers. Israel is uniquely permitted to integrate its own mission systems and electronic warfare suites into the aircraft, making its configuration distinct from all other F-35 operators.

F-15IA (Boeing)

The F-15IA is an advanced Israeli variant of Boeing’s F-15EX / F-15E Strike Eagle family. It is designed primarily for long-range strike missions and high payload delivery rather than stealth penetration.

The aircraft’s main advantage is its payload capacity, allowing it to carry significantly larger quantities of precision-guided munitions compared to stealth fighters. It is built for extended-range missions, enabling operations deep into regional theaters without forward positioning.

It features modern AESA radar systems and upgraded avionics for improved target detection and tracking. Its open-architecture design allows integration of Israeli weapons systems and electronic warfare technologies, ensuring adaptability to local operational requirements.

Boeing describes the platform as a multi-role fighter optimized for heavy strike missions and long-range operational flexibility.