Fighter jets

Three new F-35 jets arrive in Israel, air force fleet grows to 48 aircraft

These three aircraft are part of a long-standing deal spread over a period of years to raise Israel's fleet from 25 to 50 F-35s.

The IDF receives additional F-35 fighter jets at the Nevatim Air Force Base. January 18, 2026.
A Pakistani Air Force JF-17 Thunder fighter jet, painted with the national flag, flies past during the Pakistan National Day parade in Islamabad, March 23, 2007; illustrative.

Pakistan, Saudi in talks on JF-17 jets-for-loans deal, sources say

An F-15 jet releases a flare as it flies over Gaza, July 20, 2025

Pentagon announces $8.6 billion Boeing contract for Israel's F-15IA Program

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stands in front of Polish Air Force F-16 fighter jets as he holds a press conference regarding the threat posed by Russian drones in Polish airspace at the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, about 30 km south-west of Lodz, Poland, September 11, 2025

Russia strikes Ukraine, causing power, heat failures, forces temporary closure of Polish airports


US agrees to sell F-35s, 300 tanks to Saudi Arabia in major defense deal

The two countries also signed a joint declaration on the completion of negotiations on civil nuclear energy cooperation.

Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as he arrives for a dinner hosted at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 18, 2025.

Trump’s push to sell F-35s to Saudi Arabia is dangerous and Congress must stop it - opinion

The question is not whether the Saudis are friendly today, but whether the United States can trust any autocratic regime with advanced weapon systems.

A F-35 jet lands on the runway of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercises about 100 miles south of Oahu, Hawaii, US July 19, 2024.

Trump unlikely to approve F-35 sale to Saudi Arabia, but could still change mind - report

The potential sale of the fighter jets to Saudi Arabia had raised concerns about Israel's ability to maintain its qualitative military edge in the region.

Israeli Air Force F-35s seen arriving to an Israeli base, on March 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia may join Abraham Accords 'very shortly,' Trump tells reporters

The US President also discussed a possible deal to supply Saudi Arabia with dozens of F-35 fighter jets ahead of an upcoming White House meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman meets with US President Donald Trump, at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019.

US approves potential $330 million military sale to Taiwan, first under Trump

The US greenlighted a $330 million arms sale to Taiwan, marking a significant step in its support for Taiwan amid China’s objections.

An IDF (Ching-Kuo Fighter) jet takes off, as Taiwan's military demonstrates combat readiness ahead of upcoming Lunar New Year holidays in an annual exercises in Taichung, Taiwan January 7, 2025; illustrative.

Palestinian NGO cannot appeal UK court ruling over F-35 parts to Israel

The UK Court of Appeal ruled that the export of F-35 components was a matter of national security for which the government, not an NGO, was responsible.

Protesters walk towards the corporate offices of Lockheed Martin, as they take part in a march and rally organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign, highlighting British companies' involvement in manufacturing F-35 fighter jets used in Gaza, and demanding an arms embargo on Israel.

Herzl Budinger, architect of Israel’s air power in Lebanon, passes away at 82

IAF Commander Herzl Budinger (1992-96) passed away. A Yom Kippur War ace and "pilot's commander," he spearheaded long-range upgrades and admitted the first female pilot.

Herzl Budinger, Architect of Israel’s Air Power in Lebanon

Turkey's Erdogan seeks to purchase 40 fighter jets from Qatar - report

The deal, facilitated by the UK, is estimated to be worth several billion dollars.

A German Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jet during an air display at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 18, 2025.

Turkey pressing for Western fighter jets to claw back regional edge - analysis

Erdogan is expected to discuss a proposal to purchase second-hand jets from Qatar in an attempt to refresh their aging fleet.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan is welcomed by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Doha, Qatar

IAF eyes major overhaul of F-16s, used to strike Iran, to meet future combat needs

The decades-old F-16 "Barak" aircraft managed to strike in Iran without refueling, and added significant capacity to the Israel Air Force’s strike capability.

An Israeli F-16D; illustrative.