Israeli site “Walla” has acknowledged that what it called the "military operation against Iran" and the "Houthi attacks" (Yemeni Armed Forces) have underscored—more than ever—the urgent need to rebuild the Israeli Air Force. However, it noted that this effort is being hindered by the sharp rise in aircraft production costs and the insufficient financial flows available to meet this demand.

According to “Walla,” the ongoing surge in raw material prices, the global impact of wars, and supply chain delays have all contributed to a significant spike in aircraft production costs. 

It pointed out that even the U.S. military has been forced to adapt to these rising costs, prompting Congress to approve an additional budget to purchase fighter jets—particularly F-15EX aircraft—while reducing the number of F-35s acquired. The report warned that “Israel will soon feel these repercussions as well.”

It continued: “Therefore, the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the military will be required to reconsider their aircraft procurement plans for the future, either by scaling back the number of fighter jets ordered or by cutting Israeli-designed programs intended for integration into the jets.”

It further argued that “the military operation against Iran and the Houthi (Ansar Allah) attacks have highlighted the urgent need to rebuild and modernize the Israeli Air Force.”

According to sources familiar with the procurement process, the Israeli Air Force requires three additional squadrons of fighter jets. Although Israel hopes to receive four to five fighter jets per year, the U.S. production line is already congested, and Israeli financial capacity falls short of meeting this ambition.