IDF plans massive NIS 130 billion buildup, including aircraft, munition factories

IDF plans massive NIS 130 billion buildup, including aircraft, munition factories reports a proposed multiyear investment package aimed at strengthening Israel’s defense self-reliance. The article says the Defense Ministry and the IDF agreed to close a NIS 40 billion budget gap in two phases: NIS 15 billion immediately and an additional NIS 25 billion. It reports a joint plan to purchase NIS 130 billion in military aircraft, munitions, and factories after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s December 2025 approval of a NIS 350 billion defense budget increase. The scope includes additional fighter jets, refueling aircraft, attack helicopters, naval vessels, armored vehicles, advanced weapons production, and a space project. Negotiations have faced complications, as the Finance Ministry argued transfer for future-year funding was not possible until the defense budget base was finalized. The backdrop includes expanded IDF missions in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists.