Israel eyes US’s future F-47 air superiority fighter to stay ahead before next regional arms race starts
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According to the Jerusalem Post on July 28, 2025, Israel is closely following the development of the U.S. Air Force’s new F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet amid renewed interest by several Middle Eastern states in acquiring the F-35 Lightning II. Therefore, Israeli defense and security officials have warned of the risks such acquisitions may pose to Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge in the region, as the country operates the largest F‑16 fleet outside the US, around twenty‑five F‑15I Ra’am long‑range fighters optimized for air superiority and deep‑strike, and a rapidly expanding fleet of F‑35I Adir stealth fighters.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The F-47, currently being developed as a replacement for the F-22 Raptor, will incorporate advanced features including “stealth++” capabilities, AI-assisted targeting and navigation, as well as a combat range of over 1,000 nautical miles, or approximately 1,800 kilometers.(Picture source: US DoD)
As Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain signal their intentions to purchase the fifth-generation fighter, Israeli defense and security officials have warned of the risks such acquisitions may pose to Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge in the region. Although previous requests, such as the United Arab Emirates’ bid in 2020, have stalled, current discussions with the U.S. government remain active, and any sale must be formally approved by the U.S. executive branch and Congress. Israeli officials argue that even a downgraded version of the F-35 sold to regional actors could narrow Israel’s advantage in air power and intelligence gathering, especially as more countries invest heavily in advanced weaponry.
Israel’s F-35I Adir fleet is currently the only operational F-35 variant in the Middle East and remains a cornerstone of Israeli air superiority. Notably, the aircraft has been tailored to Israel’s specific operational needs, including the integration of locally developed radar systems, electronic warfare tools, and software upgrades. Israeli versions have participated in multiple combat operations, including recent airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and missions in Iran’s strategic depth, the so-called “third circle.” These enhancements provide capabilities not found in other F-35 variants and are viewed by Israeli military planners as essential to ensuring continued dominance across a range of threat environments. Nonetheless, if Arab nations receive even downgraded F-35 variants, concerns persist that Israel may be compelled to pursue more advanced platforms, including the U.S.-developed F-47, to retain its edge.
The F-47 is currently under development by Boeing as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This future air superiority fighter is designed as the successor to the F-22 Raptor and will integrate new features such as “stealth++” capabilities, AI-assisted targeting and navigation, and command integration with over 1,000 autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. The F-47 will have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles (approximately 1,800 kilometers) and is capable of speeds over Mach 2. According to U.S. officials, it is expected to operate with minimal support infrastructure, offer high sortie generation rates, and require less manpower to deploy. The jet is projected to cost between $170 million and $300 million per unit and is planned to enter operational service between 2027 and 2029. However, the number to be procured by the U.S. remains under debate, with the program currently aiming for around 185 aircraft, supplemented by large fleets of uncrewed drones.
For Israel, the F-47 presents both a strategic opportunity and a financial challenge. Israeli officials are monitoring the program not only for its technical characteristics but also for its potential role in future U.S.–Israel military cooperation. No official export policy or specifications for foreign customers have yet been published, but statements by President Donald Trump indicate a willingness to consider “toned-down” versions of the aircraft for allies. Trump has suggested downgrading export models by about 10 percent in capability to safeguard against future geopolitical shifts. While the U.S. has not explicitly offered the F-47 to Israel, some defense analysts suggest it may become a suitable replacement for or complement to the Adir fleet, particularly if the U.S. sells downgraded F-35s to Arab states beginning in 2030. Integrating Israeli-made systems into the F-47, however, may prove more complicated than with the F-35, which was specifically adapted for the Adir configuration.
In the absence of clear commitments, Israeli defense planners are also considering Lockheed Martin’s potential F-55, a proposed “fifth-generation-plus” fighter that could serve as a more affordable bridge to sixth-generation capabilities. Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet has stated the F-55 would integrate advanced technologies originally intended for NGAD, delivering up to 80 percent of the F-47’s capabilities at roughly half the cost. The platform would retain stealth, enhance situational awareness through upgraded sensors, and be optimized for rapid production and integration with existing fleets. Lockheed claims that the F-55 could be fielded within three years, presenting a lower-risk and more financially viable option for Israel, especially if American security assistance terms become more restrictive after the current $38 billion memorandum expires in 2028. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already indicated that upcoming U.S.–Israel defense agreements may include less favorable provisions.
Israel’s domestic defense industry is also weighing its long-term position in the global fighter market. In 2024, Israeli defense exports to Europe rose by $8 billion, making up over half of total sales. Companies like IAI, Elbit Systems, and Rafael continue to secure major deals, including a $3.5 billion Arrow 3 sale to Germany and a $2.1 billion SPYDER air defense contract with Romania. However, as European buyers increasingly align with U.S.-made systems, Israeli firms face growing competition. American lobbying, especially under the Trump administration, has encouraged Israel to prioritize U.S. products like the F-47. In response, Israeli defense officials are exploring international partnerships to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2028. Potential partners include India, Japan, and countries involved in Europe’s GCAP and FCAS initiatives. Such collaborations could share development costs, expand production capacity, and ensure Israel retains sovereignty over its most critical defense technologies.
Finally, the evolving strategic landscape reinforces the urgency for Israel to diversify its fighter acquisition strategy. With Türkiye pursuing its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter and Gulf states increasing their defense spending, Israel’s technological lead could be narrowed without timely adaptation. While the F-47’s eventual deployment offers a path forward, financial constraints and uncertain export availability may necessitate a dual approach: maintaining F-35I dominance through further upgrades and pursuing joint development of a new Israeli-led platform. This two-pronged strategy would preserve Israel’s military edge, reduce reliance on U.S. platforms, and create opportunities for local industry growth. Whether Israel ultimately selects the F-47, the F-55, or a multinational co-development effort, its leadership remains committed to safeguarding its air superiority through the 2030s and beyond.
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According to the Jerusalem Post on July 28, 2025, Israel is closely following the development of the U.S. Air Force’s new F-47 sixth-generation fighter jet amid renewed interest by several Middle Eastern states in acquiring the F-35 Lightning II. Therefore, Israeli defense and security officials have warned of the risks such acquisitions may pose to Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge in the region, as the country operates the largest F‑16 fleet outside the US, around twenty‑five F‑15I Ra’am long‑range fighters optimized for air superiority and deep‑strike, and a rapidly expanding fleet of F‑35I Adir stealth fighters.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The F-47, currently being developed as a replacement for the F-22 Raptor, will incorporate advanced features including “stealth++” capabilities, AI-assisted targeting and navigation, as well as a combat range of over 1,000 nautical miles, or approximately 1,800 kilometers.
(Picture source: US DoD)
As Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Türkiye, Morocco, Egypt, and Bahrain signal their intentions to purchase the fifth-generation fighter, Israeli defense and security officials have warned of the risks such acquisitions may pose to Israel’s long-standing qualitative military edge in the region. Although previous requests, such as the United Arab Emirates’ bid in 2020, have stalled, current discussions with the U.S. government remain active, and any sale must be formally approved by the U.S. executive branch and Congress. Israeli officials argue that even a downgraded version of the F-35 sold to regional actors could narrow Israel’s advantage in air power and intelligence gathering, especially as more countries invest heavily in advanced weaponry.
Israel’s F-35I Adir fleet is currently the only operational F-35 variant in the Middle East and remains a cornerstone of Israeli air superiority. Notably, the aircraft has been tailored to Israel’s specific operational needs, including the integration of locally developed radar systems, electronic warfare tools, and software upgrades. Israeli versions have participated in multiple combat operations, including recent airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen and missions in Iran’s strategic depth, the so-called “third circle.” These enhancements provide capabilities not found in other F-35 variants and are viewed by Israeli military planners as essential to ensuring continued dominance across a range of threat environments. Nonetheless, if Arab nations receive even downgraded F-35 variants, concerns persist that Israel may be compelled to pursue more advanced platforms, including the U.S.-developed F-47, to retain its edge.
The F-47 is currently under development by Boeing as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. This future air superiority fighter is designed as the successor to the F-22 Raptor and will integrate new features such as “stealth++” capabilities, AI-assisted targeting and navigation, and command integration with over 1,000 autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) drones. The F-47 will have a combat radius exceeding 1,000 nautical miles (approximately 1,800 kilometers) and is capable of speeds over Mach 2. According to U.S. officials, it is expected to operate with minimal support infrastructure, offer high sortie generation rates, and require less manpower to deploy. The jet is projected to cost between $170 million and $300 million per unit and is planned to enter operational service between 2027 and 2029. However, the number to be procured by the U.S. remains under debate, with the program currently aiming for around 185 aircraft, supplemented by large fleets of uncrewed drones.
For Israel, the F-47 presents both a strategic opportunity and a financial challenge. Israeli officials are monitoring the program not only for its technical characteristics but also for its potential role in future U.S.–Israel military cooperation. No official export policy or specifications for foreign customers have yet been published, but statements by President Donald Trump indicate a willingness to consider “toned-down” versions of the aircraft for allies. Trump has suggested downgrading export models by about 10 percent in capability to safeguard against future geopolitical shifts. While the U.S. has not explicitly offered the F-47 to Israel, some defense analysts suggest it may become a suitable replacement for or complement to the Adir fleet, particularly if the U.S. sells downgraded F-35s to Arab states beginning in 2030. Integrating Israeli-made systems into the F-47, however, may prove more complicated than with the F-35, which was specifically adapted for the Adir configuration.
In the absence of clear commitments, Israeli defense planners are also considering Lockheed Martin’s potential F-55, a proposed “fifth-generation-plus” fighter that could serve as a more affordable bridge to sixth-generation capabilities. Lockheed CEO Jim Taiclet has stated the F-55 would integrate advanced technologies originally intended for NGAD, delivering up to 80 percent of the F-47’s capabilities at roughly half the cost. The platform would retain stealth, enhance situational awareness through upgraded sensors, and be optimized for rapid production and integration with existing fleets. Lockheed claims that the F-55 could be fielded within three years, presenting a lower-risk and more financially viable option for Israel, especially if American security assistance terms become more restrictive after the current $38 billion memorandum expires in 2028. Prime Minister Netanyahu has already indicated that upcoming U.S.–Israel defense agreements may include less favorable provisions.
Israel’s domestic defense industry is also weighing its long-term position in the global fighter market. In 2024, Israeli defense exports to Europe rose by $8 billion, making up over half of total sales. Companies like IAI, Elbit Systems, and Rafael continue to secure major deals, including a $3.5 billion Arrow 3 sale to Germany and a $2.1 billion SPYDER air defense contract with Romania. However, as European buyers increasingly align with U.S.-made systems, Israeli firms face growing competition. American lobbying, especially under the Trump administration, has encouraged Israel to prioritize U.S. products like the F-47. In response, Israeli defense officials are exploring international partnerships to co-develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2028. Potential partners include India, Japan, and countries involved in Europe’s GCAP and FCAS initiatives. Such collaborations could share development costs, expand production capacity, and ensure Israel retains sovereignty over its most critical defense technologies.
Finally, the evolving strategic landscape reinforces the urgency for Israel to diversify its fighter acquisition strategy. With Türkiye pursuing its indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter and Gulf states increasing their defense spending, Israel’s technological lead could be narrowed without timely adaptation. While the F-47’s eventual deployment offers a path forward, financial constraints and uncertain export availability may necessitate a dual approach: maintaining F-35I dominance through further upgrades and pursuing joint development of a new Israeli-led platform. This two-pronged strategy would preserve Israel’s military edge, reduce reliance on U.S. platforms, and create opportunities for local industry growth. Whether Israel ultimately selects the F-47, the F-55, or a multinational co-development effort, its leadership remains committed to safeguarding its air superiority through the 2030s and beyond.
