Israel’s Air Force Struggles for Post-Ceasefire Weapons Amid Global Arms Race

Israel’s military faces a severe challenge in restoring its defense capabilities following recent conflicts, particularly concerning the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) airpower, helicopter fleet, and ammunition stocks.

While many nations are simultaneously increasing their military spending amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Israel is grappling with a shortage of critical defense equipment—compounded by strained relations with key allies, including the United States.

According to senior defense officials, Israel’s air force is experiencing significant wear and tear after extensive combat operations. Israeli fighter jets, particularly F-15s and F-35s, have accumulated thousands of flight hours beyond their planned lifespan, leaving the air force in desperate need of urgent replacements.

“The wear on fighter jets is significant, and the need to expedite procurement is pressing,” said one security official, noting that delays in aircraft supply will continue to pose a critical risk to Israel’s defense readiness.

The IDF’s helicopter fleet, especially Apache attack helicopters, is facing an even more severe crisis. The helicopters were already operating at reduced capacity before the war, and the conflict’s intense demands have exacerbated the situation.

With multiple Apache squadrons now grounded due to overuse, Israel sought temporary assistance from the United States in the form of used Apache helicopters.

However, the request was denied, leaving the Air Force with few viable options for replenishment. Currently, the IDF is considering repurposing Black Hawk transport helicopters, typically used for casualty evacuation and transport, by adding weapon systems to serve as a temporary substitute for Apache helicopters.

Compounding Israel’s military procurement woes are delays in the supply of essential munitions. The United States has raised restrictions on sending heavy air-to-ground bombs, Hellfire missiles, and other critical ammunition.

Shipments of these weapons are stuck in American warehouses due to diplomatic decisions by President Joe Biden’s administration, exacerbating the shortage that Israel is facing.

The situation has forced the Israeli government to push for the release of these shipments, with hopes that future arms shipments will arrive in a timely manner to support ongoing military operations.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the importance of replenishing ammunition and equipment in his recent statement on the ceasefire, highlighting that restoring Israel’s defense capabilities is essential not only for immediate security needs but also for long-term strategic planning.

“The procurement of fighter jets, refueling aircraft, and transport helicopters must be fast-tracked, even as the country faces diplomatic and budgetary challenges,” Netanyahu stressed.

The global arms race, fueled by the war in Ukraine and rising tensions between China and Taiwan, has further complicated Israel’s procurement process.

As one senior official from a major weapons supplier noted, “The whole world is buying weapons, everything of everything.” With demand for military systems at an all-time high, weapon manufacturers are struggling to keep up with global orders, which has caused significant delays in delivery schedules.

Israeli officials are now working to fast-track military procurement through rapid acquisition processes. The air force is reportedly advancing plans to purchase approximately 100 F-35s, 100 F-15s, and 50 F-16s, along with additional refueling aircraft and transport helicopters.

However, Israel’s ability to meet these procurement needs is constrained by limited funding and long production lead times, making it unclear how quickly the necessary systems will be deployed.

As Israel faces these challenges, the nation’s military planners must balance the immediate demands of the ongoing conflict with long-term needs for modernization and defense capability rebuilding.

With diplomatic tensions further complicating these efforts, Israel’s military readiness will continue to depend on its ability to navigate a rapidly changing global defense landscape.