Israel’s defense ministry has approved two new fighter squadrons as part of a 350 billion shekel military buildup plan. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the money will also fund domestic munitions production and a new counter-drone project.
Israel has approved a major defense buildup plan that includes two new fighter squadrons and a broader push to expand military production at home.
According to official and Reuters-linked reporting cited in the research, Israel’s defense ministry approved the purchase of one F-35 squadron and one F-15IA squadron in a deal worth tens of billions of shekels. The procurement is the first step in a larger 350 billion shekel, or about $119 billion, plan to strengthen Israel’s military over the coming decade.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said much of the expanded budget will be used to produce munitions inside Israel so the country is less dependent on foreign suppliers. He also said he had ordered a special project to counter drones and that progress on the plan would be reported to him soon.
What Israel approved
The defense ministry’s approval covers two new fighter squadrons, adding to Israel’s long-term force buildup. Official defense ministry material also points to ongoing procurement of a third F-35 squadron.
The latest move comes as Israel continues to frame defense self-sufficiency as a strategic priority, especially for ammunition and air-defense related capabilities.
Netanyahu’s message
Netanyahu presented the spending as part of a broader push for military independence. His remarks focused on reducing reliance on foreign countries for key weapons supplies and developing additional capabilities against drones.
The announcement is likely to feed ongoing debate over the scale of Israel’s military spending, its procurement priorities and the role of domestic production in future conflicts.
Revision note
Initial automated publication.