Israel’s rapid expansion of its air force amidst the current multi-front war is transforming the nation into a major military power. Although Israel doesn’t have aircraft carriers or the ability to project its air power globally, the decision to proceed with additional F-35 purchases makes Israel a global leader in the use of the 5th-generation aircraft. Israel will become one of the largest users of the F-35 and likely the global leader per capita in terms of aircraft.
According to Lockheed Martin data from the end of January 2026, there are currently 20 countries using the F-35. These include large users like the US, with some 2,000 aircraft in multiple services. The UK has acquired 138 of the warplanes, while Australia wants 100 of them, Canada has procured 88, and Italy wants a total of 115. In addition, Japan is acquiring 142 of the planes, and South Korea has 60. Israel will now have 100 of them in four squadrons, making it a major user. For a country of Israel’s size and population, this is a lot of 5th-generation aircraft.
Israel has shown throughout the recent multi-front war that began with the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, that it will use its air force to confront threats around the region. This has included around 939 days of combat on numerous fronts. Israel has had to fight Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran. There was also one airstrike in Qatar. Israel’s air force has led the way in this effort. While Israel has a large and advanced ground force and has also bolstered its navy in recent years with the acquisition of the Sa’ar 6 corvette and new submarines, the air force is Israel’s long arm in terms of being able to carry out wars around the region. (Read More)
