Netanyahu touts major air power expansion, endorses US fighter jet deal

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly endorsed a major procurement of advanced US-made fighter aircraft, describing the move as critical to maintaining Israel’s long-standing military edge in the region.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense confirmed plans to acquire two new squadrons comprising F-35I Adir stealth jets and F-15IA aircraft.

The deal marks a significant upgrade to Israel’s air combat capabilities, with the jets expected to enhance both offensive reach and defensive deterrence.

In a video statement released on Sunday, Netanyahu said the acquisition would “bolster Israel’s overwhelming air superiority,” underlining the strategic importance of maintaining dominance in an increasingly volatile regional security environment.

$118 billion defence expansion and push for self-reliance

Beyond the immediate procurement, Netanyahu outlined a far-reaching vision for Israel’s military future, announcing plans to inject an additional 350 billion shekels (approximately $118 billion) into the country’s defence budget over the next decade.

The investment, he said, is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on foreign arms suppliers and strengthen domestic defence manufacturing capabilities.

Central to this ambition is the development of a “groundbreaking Israeli-made aircraft,” signalling a potential shift toward greater technological independence in high-end military aviation.

The announcement reflects growing emphasis within Israel’s defence establishment on self-sufficiency, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics and supply chain uncertainties.

Drone threat spurs new countermeasures initiative

Netanyahu also highlighted the increasing threat posed by unmanned aerial systems, particularly along Israel’s northern frontiers bordering southern Lebanon.

He revealed that he has directed the launch of a “special project” aimed at countering hostile drone activity, which has emerged as a persistent security challenge in recent years.

While acknowledging the urgency of the threat, Netanyahu cautioned that developing effective countermeasures will take time.

“It will take time, but we are on it,” he said, indicating that Israel is investing in long-term solutions rather than quick fixes.

The focus on drone defence points to a broader shift in modern warfare, where relatively low-cost aerial systems have proven capable of challenging even the most advanced militaries.