The Israeli Air Force is all set to procure a new squadron of F-35I and F-15IA aircraft. Learning from Operation Roaring Lion, the force is undergoing a major modernisation to increase its technological edge. The Air Force will be the lead service for this effort, seeking to retain Israel’s air superiority.
By Sam Cranny-Evans, editor of Calibre Defence, published on May 4, 2026.
Israel is embarking on a major force buildup in anticipation of an intense security decade ahead. Funded to the tune of $118.6 billion (€110.16 billion), the buildup aims to maintain Israel’s technological edge, with the Israeli Air Force (IAF) as the lead service.
Now, under plans approved by the Ministerial Committee on Procurement, the IAF is set to procure two new squadrons of aircraft. The first is another squadron of F-35s, the second will be the F-15IA from Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) and Boeing (NYSE: BA) respectively. The new squadrons are expected to form a cornerstone of the Israel Defence Force’s long-term development, according to a May 3 press release.
This announcement builds upon a December contract for another 25 F-15IA aircraft. Valued at up to $8.5 billion, that contract included an option for 25 additional jets.
“The lessons of [Operation Roaring Lion] require us to keep pressing forward on force buildup, to ensure air superiority for decades to come,” Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said.
Under a plan named the Shield of Israel, the IAF is expected to take the lead in a “major technological leap,” the press release states. By bringing autonomous platforms, next generation defence systems, and new offensive capabilities into use, the service is expected to dominate from the sky to space. “Our mission is clear: to ensure the IDF has the tools, capabilities, and strength to operate anywhere, at any time,” Katz said.
Advanced airpower remains essential
An F-15EX upon delivery to the USAF. The IAF’s F-15IA is a slightly different configuration. Credit: US Air Force photo/Ilka Cole
Maj. Gen. (Res.) Amir Baram, the Director General of the Israeli MoD, added that: “Operation Roaring Lion reinforced just how critical the US-Israel strategic relationship is, and how essential advanced air power remains.” This is a noteworthy point because it reflects how Israel sees the future of its security landscape.
Advanced airpower, encompassing the aircraft and munitions, has enabled the IAF to strike most of its enemies in their homes. The start of Operation Roaring Lion involved an extensive campaign to degrade Iran’s air defences and air force. It also focused on the senior leadership of the Iranian regime, as well as missile launchers.
This would not have been possible without airpower and a healthy stockpile of stand-off weapons. The campaign to destroy Iran’s missile launchers was a vital component of the campaign. Without the suppression and destruction of those launchers, Israel’s air defences would have faced much bigger missile barrages for a longer time. This would increase the likelihood of missiles getting through.
Maj. Gen. Baram went on to state: “The complementary capabilities of these two squadrons will give the IAF the flexibility to handle a broad range of combat scenarios.” He is referring here to the F-15IA and F-35I working in tandem. The F-35I, with its low observable airframe, can locate and map air defences, planning a route for the F-15IA.
With a payload up to 13 tonnes, the F-15IA can carry a lot of munitions over a long distance. Working with the F-35, it can then release those munitions at a given target with a greater chance of success.
Calibre comment: Lessons from Operation Roaring Lion
It is always difficult to draw lessons from one war and apply them to another. However, Operation Roaring Lion appears to show the capabilities of combined western airpower. And, by extension, the value in European NATO ensuring its fleets can do something similar. Taking the hunt for Iran’s missile launchers as an example, this is a mission type that has historically proved challenging. From US special forces in Iraq, through to Saudi air crews in Yemen and Ukrainian drone operators scouring Belgorod, locating and destroying missile launchers is a real problem.
The task is compounded by the ease with which a launcher can disappear. A competent crew can easily hide a system in a warehouse or wood block until it is next needed. With modern fire control systems, the time that the launcher spends out in the open can be very brief.
So, it stands to reason that building the ability to carry out a comprehensive and effective suppression of enemy air defence (SEAD) campaign is a must. Following that SEAD with persistent ISTAR and strike assets, as the IAF and US forces have done over Iran, sets the conditions for an effective missile hunt. If European states wish to truly deter Russia, it is these kinds of capabilities that they will have to develop and maintain.
The lead image shows an F-35. Credit: Lockheed Martin.