Netanyahu: Purchase of new "F-35" and "F-15" fighters enhances our "overwhelming" air superiority in the region

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the deal announced by the Israeli army regarding the purchase of two squadrons of fighter jets, saying that this step enhances Israel's "overwhelming air superiority" and confirms that the country is "stronger than ever before."

Netanyahu stressed, in statements on Sunday, the necessity of maintaining this superiority, adding that Israel "must always remain much stronger than its enemies," asserting that the Israeli Air Force has the ability to reach "anywhere in Iranian airspace," and that pilots are "ready for that when necessary," according to "Reuters."

In this context, Israel renewed its threats to Iran, at a time when proposals continue to be exchanged between Tehran and Washington via the Pakistani mediator, amidst escalating regional tension.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced earlier today that the army will purchase two new squadrons of fighter jets, following the approval of the Ministerial Committee for Procurement Affairs.

The ministry clarified in a statement that the deal includes a fourth squadron of "F-35 Lightning II" aircraft from "Lockheed Martin," along with a second squadron of "F-15EX Eagle II" aircraft from "Boeing."

It added that the value of these deals amounts to tens of billions of shekels, and includes the full integration of the aircraft into the Israeli Air Force, along with comprehensive maintenance services, spare parts, and logistical support.

It considered that the two new squadrons will form a fundamental pillar in developing the long-term capabilities of the Israeli army, to confront changing regional threats and maintain strategic air superiority.

This step comes within a broader plan to enhance the capabilities of the Israeli army over a full decade, which was approved by Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, within a dedicated budget of approximately 350 billion shekels.