Israel aims to build its own stealth fighter jets, autonomous combat aircraft, senior official says

A senior Israeli official announced that Israel plans to develop and produce its own stealth fighter jets and autonomous combat aircraft within the next decade. This initiative aims to reduce the country's reliance on American military aid and expand its local defense industry. The official stated, "I can envision Israel producing its own stealth fighter aircraft." These unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) will feature advanced AI for autonomous operations, complementing manned fighter jets in roles like intelligence, electronic warfare, and direct combat. This move aligns with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's broader strategy to enhance Israel's self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing. While Israel has prior experience in developing fighter jets, such as the Lavi project in the 1980s, the current plan emphasizes independent production of critical technologies to ensure national security, regardless of external factors.