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Sunday, May 3, 2026
Outgoing Air Force chief says new F-35, F-15 squadrons will ‘add significant strength’
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Outgoing Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. Tomer Bar says the new procurement of two F-35I and F-15IA squadrons will “add significant strength” to the IAF.
“The important decision to acquire the two new squadrons is the result of thorough and prolonged staff work that we carried out in the Air Force. The recommendation was based on years of professional evaluation and operational necessity, with a broad perspective on force buildup and its adaptation to the evolving threats in the Middle East,” Bar says in remarks published by the military.
He says that the planning had the goal of “ensuring the air superiority of the Air Force and the State of Israel for many years to come.”
“The procurement is the result of close cooperation with the United States military, which intensified during Operation Roaring Lion, and constitutes a strategic component of national security,” Bar says, referring to the recent war with Iran.
“The new squadrons will add significant strength to the Air Force and will enable us to continue operating with determination, flexibility, and superiority against any challenge we are required to face,” he adds.
Bar will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Omer Tischler as IAF chief on Tuesday.
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