Netanyahu Unveils Massive Defense Buildup: ‘We Can Reach Anywhere in Iran’s Skies’

Reflecto News | Breaking News | Israel Defense & Middle East

JERUSALEM — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a sweeping multi-billion dollar military expansion on Sunday, declaring that Israel’s new F-35 and F-15IA fighter squadrons can “reach anywhere in Iran’s skies” and that the Jewish state is pursuing strategic independence in weapons production, including counter-drone technology .

Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu framed the 350 billion shekel (~$95 billion) decade-long investment as a response to lessons learned from the recent war with Iran and the ongoing threat from Tehran’s nuclear program .

✈️ ‘Our Pilots Can Reach Anywhere in Iran’s Skies’

Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s recent approval of two new fighter jet squadrons — an additional squadron of F-35I “Adir” stealth fighters and a second squadron of F-15IA “Ra’am” (Thunder) aircraft.

“We are purchasing two squadrons of advanced aircraft, F-35 and F-15IA. Our pilots can reach anywhere in Iran’s skies, and they are prepared to do so if required.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The F-35I is the world’s most advanced stealth fighter, designed to penetrate advanced air defenses undetected — a critical asset for deep strikes against heavily defended targets such as Iranian nuclear facilities. The F-15IA is a long-range, high-payload strike aircraft capable of carrying massive bomb loads over extended distances.

The acquisition will bring Israel’s F-35I fleet to 100 aircraft and its F-15IA fleet to 50 aircraft .

🇮🇱 ‘Independence’: Moving Production from Abroad to Israel

Netanyahu emphasized that the massive budget increase is not just for purchasing foreign systems but for establishing domestic production capabilities.

“Regarding independence: I have directed to invest in self-production capability of armaments. In the coming decade, we will add 350 billion shekels to the defense budget, and this is to produce these armaments in Israel and not be dependent abroad.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

This “Blue and White” initiative aims to reduce Israel’s reliance on foreign suppliers, particularly the United States, and could include the development of a fifth-generation Israeli fighter jet — though the timeline for that ambitious goal remains uncertain .

Netanyahu’s announcement was timed to follow President Trump’s decision to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a move that some Israeli officials view as part of a broader American “retrenchment” from European and Middle East security commitments .

🚁 Special Project to Counter Drone Threat

Acknowledging the devastating effectiveness of Hezbollah’s fiber-optic FPV drones, which have killed and wounded Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon, Netanyahu revealed the establishment of a special task force to counter the threat .

“And regarding drones: a few weeks ago, I ordered the establishment of a special project to counter the drone threat. And already today, a progress report on the subject will be presented to me. It will take time, but we are on it.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The prime minister admitted the program will take time — an acknowledgment that Israel lacks an immediate solution to the “copter drones” that have proven resistant to electronic jamming and difficult to detect .

Defense sources have indicated that the effort may include laser-based systems, AI-enhanced radar, and a new generation of interceptor drones — though any field-ready technology is likely at least 18 months away .

⚔️ ‘This Will Change the Whole Picture’

Netanyahu concluded his announcement by promising that the cumulative effect of these investments — advanced aircraft, domestic production, new drone defenses — will fundamentally alter the strategic balance in the Middle East.

“Simultaneously, we will develop groundbreaking aircraft, blue and white products. This will change the whole picture.”
— Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The announcement comes amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran, ongoing operations in Gaza, and continued low-intensity conflict with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon — a war that has highlighted the vulnerability of Israeli ground forces to low-cost drone attacks. Netanyahu’s “independence” messaging is also aimed at a domestic audience, highlighting his government’s commitment to security amid the October 27 election campaign .

📋 Key Takeaways at a Glance

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