Israel’s Ministerial Procurement Committee has approved a plan to acquire two new combat aircraft squadrons for the Air Force.
Under the decision, Israel will strengthen its aviation fleet with a fourth squadron of fifth-generation F-35I «Adir» fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin, as well as a second squadron of F-15IA aircraft produced by Boeing.
According to reports, each squadron will consist of approximately 25 combat aircraft. The total contract value is tens of billions of shekels. A major portion of the project’s funding will be covered by U.S. military assistance allocated to Israel.
The procurement program includes not only the delivery of new aircraft, but also their integration into the Air Force, the creation of maintenance infrastructure, the provision of spare parts, pilot and technical personnel training, as well as long-term logistical support.
350 billion shekel modernization program
According to the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this project is the first stage of a large-scale armed forces modernization program with a total value of approximately 350 billion shekels.
The ministry states that the acquisition of new fighters will serve to enhance the combat capabilities of the Air Force, refresh the aviation fleet, and maintain Israel’s technological edge in the region.
The Israeli Air Force currently has 48 F-35I «Adir» fighters in its arsenal. Israel has ordered a total of 75 such aircraft to date. Three F-35I squadrons are currently active in the country: the 140th «Golden Eagle», the 116th «Lions of the South», and the 117th «First Jet» training squadron.
Source: newsru.co.il