Israel moves to develop unmanned jet with capabilities similar to the F-35

According to an anonymous senior source, Israel intends to design and produce an unmanned combat aircraft whose capabilities would be comparable to the American F-35 stealth fighter. The initiative reflects a strategic pivot toward self-reliance after the United States announced plans to scale back defence assistance to Israel over the coming decade, replacing it with joint development projects. The proposed aircraft could involve collaboration with several foreign nations and would build on Israel's existing inventory of propeller-driven tactical drones.

Historical precedents include the 1960s French arms embargo that led Israel to manufacture the Nesher and Kfir jets, and the later cancellation of the indigenous Lavi fighter under US pressure. Current US political trends have sparked debate on Capitol Hill about whether Israel will continue to receive American fighter-bombers. Analysts warn that if these trends persist, future procurement of US combat aircraft could become uncertain.