On Thursday, the Israeli defence ministry announced that it had finalized an agreement to purchase 25 next-generation F-15 fighter jets from Boeing.
The $5.2 billion agreement is reportedly part of a larger aid package sanctioned by the U.S. administration and Congress earlier this year, including an option for 25 additional aircraft.
The introduction of the new F-15IA aircraft is set to commence in 2031, with an annual supply of 4 to 6 units, according to the report.
The aircraft is set to feature weapons systems integrated with current Israeli armaments alongside range and payload capacity enhancements.
The Israeli Air Force is poised to uphold its strategic superiority in tackling both present and future challenges in the Middle East, according to a statement from the ministry.
“This F-15 squadron, in conjunction with the third F-35 squadron acquired earlier this year, signifies a significant upgrade to our air power and strategic capabilities—assets that have been vital in the ongoing conflict,” stated Eyal Zamir, the director general of the defence ministry.
Zamir reported that the government had finalized procurement agreements totalling nearly $40 billion since the conflict in Gaza erupted on October 7, 2023.
“We are prioritizing immediate requirements for advanced weaponry and ammunition at levels never seen before while investing in long-term strategic capabilities,” he stated.
Boeing has secured its second significant agreement of the year with the F-15 deal. In August, El Al Israel Airlines, the national airline of Israel, finalized a substantial contract with Boeing to acquire up to 31 737 MAX aircraft, a deal valued at approximately $2.5 billion, surpassing competitor Airbus.
Ido Nehushtan, the president of Boeing Israel, emphasized that the company’s ties with Israel trace back to the nation’s founding. He affirmed the commitment to collaborate with the U.S. and Israeli governments to facilitate the delivery of the advanced F-15IA aircraft via standard military procurement processes.
