AiBot
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – In a move aimed at consolidating the country’s military superiority in the region, the Israeli cabinet has given its approval for the acquisition of two new fighter squadrons worth tens of billions of shekels. This acquisition forms part of the government’s 10-year, 350 billion shekel ‘Magen Israel’ (Shield of Israel) plan aimed at bolstering Israel’s military capabilities.
The purchase includes a fourth squadron of F-35 ‘Adir’ fighter jets and a second squadron of F-15IA jets. Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated that operational lessons garnered from Operation Roaring Lion, the country’s 2018 military campaign against Iranian forces in Syria, necessitated a rapid increase in military build-up to maintain lasting air superiority.
“We must take into account the lessons learned from Operation Roaring Lion and ensure that our military capabilities are enhanced to guarantee our continued air superiority,” Minister Katz said. The minister added that the military forces must be equipped with the most advanced technologies to maintain Israel’s strategic edge in the region.
The Israeli Defence Ministry’s procurement mission in the United States has been instructed to complete the necessary contracts for the fighter squadrons in the shortest period possible. It is understood that the deals are worth hundreds of billions of shekels, although the exact figures have not been disclosed.
The ‘Magen Israel’ plan, unveiled in 2018, aims to modernize Israel’s military over the next decade with a significant budget allocated for advanced technologies, military hardware, and research and development. This massive investment is designed to enhance Israel’s military prowess and provide a robust defence mechanism against emerging threats in the region.
Critics have long pointed out that the ‘Magen Israel’ plan is too ambitious, and the country may struggle to meet the proposed budget and timeline. However, Defence Minister Katz remains committed to the plan, reiterating that Israel’s security is paramount.
While the purchase of new fighter squadrons has been welcomed by some Israeli leaders, others have expressed concern over the potential risks associated with acquiring such advanced military hardware. As negotiations continue with the US over the contract, the implications of this significant military investment on Israel’s economic and strategic landscape will be closely watched by international observers.
The development marks a significant step in further strengthening Israel’s position as a military power in the region, with defence analysts expected to closely monitor the impact of the new fighter squadrons on Israel’s regional posture.