Washington, DC, December 30 - The Pentagon has awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract for the F-15 Israel Program, marking a significant boost to Israel's air superiority with advanced F-15 fighter jets. This major US arms sale to Israel involves foreign military sales and includes the design, integration, testing, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft, a customized variant of Boeing's latest F-15EX platform tailored for the Israeli Air Force. The announcement follows high-level diplomatic engagements, underscoring the enduring US-Israel defense partnership and commitment to maintaining Israel's qualitative military edge in the region.
The F-15IA jets represent cutting-edge aviation technology, featuring enhanced radar systems, increased payload capacity, digital fly-by-wire controls, and superior performance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This contract provides an option for an additional 25 aircraft, potentially expanding the fleet to 50 units and further modernizing Israel's aerial capabilities amid evolving security challenges. Boeing, a leading US defense contractor, will perform the primary work in St. Louis, Missouri, supporting American jobs in aerospace manufacturing while delivering these sophisticated fighter jets to a key ally.
This Boeing F-15 contract reinforces the United States' role as Israel's primary supplier of advanced military equipment through the Foreign Military Sales program. The deal highlights ongoing investments in fourth-generation fighter technology, with the F-15 platform proven in combat and continually upgraded for modern warfare demands, including long-range strikes and electronic warfare integration.
Work under the $8.6 billion agreement is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2035, ensuring sustained production and delivery timelines. As global interest in F-15 jets for Israel grows, this development solidifies Boeing's position in international defense markets and advances bilateral cooperation in aviation and security technologies.
