Israel Signs New Generation F-15 Fighter Jets From Boeing

Israeli fighter jet/PHOTO via Instagram @stateofisrael

JAKARTA - Israel's Ministry of Defense said it had signed an agreement to get 25 next-generation F-15 fighter jets from Boeing.

The US $ 5.2 billion deal is part of a broader US aid package approved by the US government and Congress earlier this year and includes options to add 25 aircraft.

Delivery of the new F-15IA aircraft will begin in 2031, with 4-6 aircraft supplied annually.

The aircraft will be equipped with an integrated weapon system with existing Israeli weapons and have better range and payload.

"This advantage will allow the Israeli Air Force to maintain its strategic advantage in tackling current and future challenges in the Middle East," said Israeli Ministry of Defense Director General Eyal Zamir.

"This F-15 squad, together with the third F-35 squadron purchased earlier this year, represents a historic increase in our air power and strategic reach of capabilities that have proven important during the current war," he continued.

Zamir said the Israeli government had signed a procurement agreement worth nearly $40 billion since the start of the war in Gaza which began on October 7, 2023.

"While focusing on the urgent need for advanced weaponry and ammunition at an unprecedented level, we are simultaneously investing in long-term strategic capabilities," he said.

For Boeing, the F-15 agreement is the second major deal this year.

In August, major airline El Al Israel Airlines signed a deal with Boeing for purchases of up to 31 USD 2.5 billion 737 MAX aircraft, beating rival Airbus.

Ido Nehushtan, president of Israel's Boeing, said the company's relations had started since the founding of Israel and would continue to work closely with the US and the Israeli government to deliver advanced F-15IA aircraft through standard military procurement channels.