The United States remains Israel’s largest and most important arms supplier, providing more than 90 per cent of its military imports, in addition to support from other countries, most notably the United Kingdom, as well as domestic defence manufacturing.
In recent days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly spoken about the need for Israel to reduce its dependence on American military supplies and rely more heavily on domestic production, in an effort to eliminate potential leverage Washington could use to pressure the Israeli government.
These remarks followed earlier statements in which Netanyahu said Israel should become “a Sparta”, capable of meeting all of its military requirements without relying on any external partner.
Despite those comments, Israel remains bound to the United States through long term defence agreements and a strategic alliance. Washington has committed to providing US$3.8 billion in annual military assistance through 2028, including US$3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing and US$500 million for joint missile defence programmes.
What Does Israel Receive from the United States?
Fighter Aircraft
American made aircraft form the backbone of Israel’s air force. In addition to operating multiple US aircraft platforms, Israel has received access to America’s most advanced fighter jets, many of which are unavailable to other countries. Even when exported elsewhere, these aircraft are often supplied with reduced technical capabilities to preserve Israel’s military advantage.
Israel operates a large fleet of F 35 fighter jets and became the first country outside the United States to receive the aircraft. It has ordered 75 F 35s, many of which have already been delivered and used during military operations in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and Yemen.
It also operates more than 70 F 15 Eagle fighter aircraft, including advanced variants capable of carrying heavy payloads over long distances. Israel has signed multi billion dollar agreements to purchase additional aircraft of the same type.
The F 16 remains the most numerous fighter in Israel’s air force, with hundreds in service. It serves as the backbone of Israeli air power and has received a range of upgrades and modifications from the United States that are exclusive to Israel.
Helicopters
The United States supplies Israel with Apache attack helicopters, including the advanced AH 64E variant. Earlier this year, Israel finalised another agreement to acquire additional Apache helicopters.
Israel also operates Black Hawk utility helicopters and CH 53 Stallion heavy lift helicopters.
Its fleet further includes American made C 130 Hercules transport aircraft and aerial refuelling tankers based on modified Boeing aircraft. These tankers were used extensively during aerial refuelling operations throughout the conflict with Iran and repeated airstrikes on Yemen.
Rifles
Although Israel has sought to rely more heavily on domestically manufactured assault rifles, it has not succeeded in replacing American made small and medium calibre weapons.
The American M4 rifle remains the standard weapon carried by Israeli soldiers, incorporating numerous upgrades and modifications, despite Israel’s development of the Tavor rifle for its special forces.
Medium machine guns mounted on tanks, armoured vehicles and personnel carriers also continue to be American made and remain in widespread service.
Bombs and Ammunition
Israel depends almost entirely on the United States for artillery ammunition and military ordnance across a wide range of calibres. Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, Washington has supplied substantial quantities of ammunition.
Israel’s heavy artillery systems are American made, with ammunition shipped directly from multiple US defence manufacturers.
Among the most significant munitions supplied are 155 millimetre artillery shells, Mk 82 and Mk 84 bombs, GBU 39 precision guided bombs, and JDAM guidance kits designed for bunker penetrating strikes. These weapons are integrated with American built combat aircraft.
The United States also provides Hellfire missiles for Apache helicopters, along with GPS guided precision bombs.
Additional supplies include BLU 110 and BLU 117 bombs, 120 millimetre tank ammunition, and a variety of artillery shells and mortar rounds in different calibres.
Missile Defence Systems
Although Israel has developed elements of its own missile defence capabilities, it continues to rely heavily on the United States for interceptor missiles and key air defence technologies.
The Iron Dome system remains one of Israel’s most well known air defence platforms and is both funded and manufactured in the United States for Israeli use.
David’s Sling, Israel’s medium range air defence system, was developed in partnership with the American defence company Raytheon, and Israel has not achieved full independence in its production.
American company Boeing is also responsible for a significant portion of the manufacturing of the Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, which are designed to intercept long range ballistic missiles.
Among the most advanced American systems available to Israel is THAAD, which Israel does not possess independently. During the conflict with Iran, several THAAD batteries were deployed in occupied Palestine under the command of the United States Central Command.
Armoured Vehicles
Although Israel manufactures significant portions of its Merkava main battle tanks and Namer armoured personnel carriers, many of their critical components and sensitive systems are American made and financed by the United States. These include engines, fire control systems and electronic communications equipment.
One of the most notable American supplied platforms is the Caterpillar D9 armoured bulldozer. Manufactured by the US company Caterpillar, the vehicles are modified with additional armour and adapted for military use.
The United States also supplies Israel with large numbers of military utility vehicles each year, manufactured by American companies and widely used during military raids across the occupied West Bank.
