Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled an expansive strategic plan on Tuesday to invest between 300 and 400 billion shekels over the next decade in developing domestic weapons industries and an independently designed Israeli fighter jet, according to remarks made during a podcast interview.
The initiative marks one of the most ambitious defense modernization proposals in recent Israeli history, reflecting Netanyahu's stated conviction that Israel cannot depend on external suppliers for its most critical military platforms.
"I want to establish here within a decade --- I want our own fighter jet, our own fighter jet, a stealth jet, an unmanned aircraft, a next-generation aircraft," Netanyahu said during the interview on the "Shomer Saf" podcast with Dr. Gadi Taub. "Because we can never know if they will take away from us the important platforms we receive now from abroad."
The proposal centers on reducing what Netanyahu characterized as Israel's "weapons dependence" and developing what he called "armament sovereignty" - the capacity to design, produce, and deploy advanced military systems without reliance on foreign governments or the threat of embargoes during times of crisis.
Global Context
Netanyahu's announcement comes as nations worldwide race to develop sixth-generation fighter jets and advanced unmanned aircraft systems. The United States is developing the F-47 and the F/A-XX naval fighter as part of its next-generation program. Britain, Italy, and Japan are jointly developing the GCAP fighter, expected to enter service in the mid-2030s. France, Germany, and Spain are advancing the NGF as part of their FCAS initiative. Russia continues development of the Su-57 and next-generation capabilities. China is advancing stealthy fighter designs to complement the J-20, while India is promoting the AMCA, a domestically produced stealth multirole fighter, and Turkey is developing the KAAN.
Scope of Investment
The proposed investment, described as an addition to Israel's regular defense budget rather than a reallocation, would fund the full lifecycle of developing an indigenous fighter jet and supporting weapons production infrastructure. Netanyahu did not specify a timeline for a prototype or operational aircraft, though he indicated the investment would proceed over the coming decade.
The plan represents a significant shift in Israeli defense policy, which has historically relied on acquiring American platforms including the F-15 and F-16 fighters, with Israel maintaining technological integration and modification privileges. While Israel produces some domestic weapons systems, a fully independent fighter jet development program would represent a departure from that model.
Strategic Rationale
Netanyahu grounded the proposal in concerns about external dependence. He cited the possibility that foreign suppliers might restrict access to platforms during conflicts or diplomatic disputes, leaving Israel vulnerable. The emphasis on stealth and unmanned systems reflects current global trends toward advanced air-combat capabilities that prioritize survivability and autonomous operation.
The proposal has not yet been formally submitted to the Knesset or detailed in an official government statement. Defense Ministry and aerospace industry officials have not issued preliminary assessments of feasibility or budget requirements for such a program.
