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Israel's rapid expansion of its air force amid the ongoing multi-front war is transforming the nation into a major military power, according to a recent analysis in The Jerusalem Post. While Israel lacks aircraft carriers and global power projection, the decision to proceed with additional F-35 purchases positions it as a global leader in 5th-generation aircraft, the analysis suggests.

Coverage Comparison

Two articles from The Jerusalem Post provide complementary coverage of this development. The first, published May 3, 2026, focuses on the regional implications of Israel's military growth, examining how other countries perceive its rising power. The second, published May 1, 2026, reports on detailed IDF statistics regarding air force operations, including the number of bombs dropped and evacuations performed.

Both articles frame the air force's role as central to Israel's defense strategy, though they emphasize different aspects—one on tactical integration with ground forces, the other on strategic implications for the region.

Key Claims

  • The Israeli Air Force dropped 135,000 bombs across various fronts since October 7, 2023, according to an IDF announcement reported by The Jerusalem Post.
  • Of those, 23,860 attacks were specifically requested by IDF Ground Forces for immediate assistance during operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the military said.
  • The air force is now fully integrated with ground forces, often providing critical air support within seconds or minutes, as opposed to the hours it once took, according to IDF sources quoted by The Jerusalem Post.
  • The air force has performed 2,865 evacuations of wounded soldiers on the various fronts, per IDF data reported by The Jerusalem Post.
  • Syria is gradually rebuilding its military capabilities, including radar and air defenses, as noted in the analysis.
  • The decision to purchase additional F-35s makes Israel a global leader in the use of 5th-generation aircraft, and it will likely become the largest user per capita, according to the analysis.
  • Other regional powers such as Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are becoming more wary of Israel's growing military power, the analysis suggests.

Perspectives

Tactical Integration and Ground Support

The IDF emphasizes a radical change in air-ground coordination since October 7. According to The Jerusalem Post's report on May 1, the air force now provides close support within seconds or minutes, with rules of engagement allowing strikes closer to friendly forces—sometimes within 250 meters or less. The establishment of a new air force unit dedicated to countering ground invasions, which did not exist before October 7, marks a significant doctrinal shift.

Regional Power Dynamics

The May 3 analysis highlights Israel's emergence as a major military power, noting that its F-35 fleet expansion—to 100 aircraft in four squadrons—places it among the world's top users. The article cites Lockheed Martin data showing 20 countries using the F-35, with Israel's per-capita ratio being exceptionally high. This growth is reported to be causing wariness among regional actors like Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Internal Debate Over Air Force Role

Despite the integration with ground forces, The Jerusalem Post reports that some former air force chiefs strongly oppose this shift, arguing the air force should not be responsible for border defense against ground invasions. Current air force sources, however, defend the decision, stating it was the right one.

Conclusion

Israel's air force expansion, both in terms of hardware and operational doctrine, reflects a broader transformation of the country's military posture. While the statistics provided by the IDF underscore the intensity of recent operations, the strategic implications—particularly the F-35 acquisitions and regional perceptions—point to a lasting shift in the balance of power in the Middle East.