newsIsrael at War

Israel, US ink $5.2b deal for 25 next-gen F-15 fighters

"This F-15 squadron, alongside the third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, represents a historic enhancement of our air power."

Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir (c), Head of the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S., Aviram Hasson (r), and Senior Deputy Head of the Mission, Offer Zavatzky, Nov. 6, 2024. Credit: Media and Public Affairs Bureau/Israel Ministry of Defense.
Director General of the IMOD, Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir (c), Head of the IMOD’s Mission to the U.S., Aviram Hasson (r), and Senior Deputy Head of the Mission, Offer Zavatzky, Nov. 6, 2024. Credit: Media and Public Affairs Bureau/Israel Ministry of Defense.

The Israeli Defense Ministry signed a landmark deal on Wednesday to acquire 25 next-generation F-15 fighter jets from the United States.

The $5.2 billion agreement, part of a broader package of U.S. aid approved by the administration and Congress earlier this year, includes an option for 25 additional aircraft.

The deal was finalized on Wednesday following negotiations between the IMOD’s Mission to the United States and Boeing in collaboration with the Israeli Air Force.

Delivery of the aircraft is to begin in 2031, with four to six planes supplied annually. The procurement marks a significant milestone in defense cooperation between Israel and the United States, reflecting their mutual commitment to regional security, according to an Israeli government statement.

The new F-15IA aircraft will be equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, including the integration of state-of-the-art Israeli technologies.

The upgraded aircraft will feature enhanced range, increased payload capacity and improved performance across various operational scenarios.

“The Ministry is executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the IDF’s operational capabilities,” said IMOD Director General IDF Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, who signed the procurement authorization during his visit to the United States last month.

“We have secured procurement agreements worth nearly $40 billion since the onset of the war,” he continued.

“While focusing on immediate needs for advanced weaponry and ammunition at unprecedented levels, we’re simultaneously investing in long-term strategic capabilities.

“This F-15 squadron, alongside the third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, represents a historic enhancement of our air power and strategic reach—capabilities that proved crucial during the current war,” he said.

“We continue to advance similar transformative agreements across all IDF domains—from air and naval forces to ground operations, intelligence, and beyond.”

F-15 aircraft digital visualization. Credit: Boeing.

Added Maj. Gen. (ret.) Ido Nehushtan, president of Boeing Israel:

“Boeing takes pride in its longstanding partnership with Israel, a relationship that dates back to our nation’s establishment. The company will continue working with the U.S. and Israeli governments to deliver the advanced F-15IA aircraft through standard military procurement channels.”

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