Amid rising regional tensions, Israel and Iran are both reshaping their military strategies. Israel is reorganizing its defense priorities and expanding its armament programs, while Iran intensifies military drills and upgrades missile and drone capabilities, preparing for anything from limited clashes to full-scale war.
Israel has approved an urgent plan to boost its air force, including the purchase of two additional KC-46 refueling planes to extend its reach to the “third circle”—Iran, Yemen, parts of Pakistan, and the Horn of Africa.
This decision follows lessons from the 12-day conflict in June, when Israel struck deep inside Iran while Iranian drones and missiles hit Israeli targets. A senior Israeli source revealed that some missions involved over 100 fighter jets simultaneously, highlighting the critical need for aerial refueling to ensure operational independence.
Israel also approved the purchase of advanced American air-to-air missiles to counter threats from multiple fronts. Meanwhile, Iran is deploying new Russian and Chinese air defenses, and Yemen’s Houthis now threaten Red Sea shipping lanes and Eilat with missiles and drones.