The Pentagon announced on 29/12/2023 that it had signed a contract valued at approximately 8,6 billion USD to supply Israel with 25 F-15IA heavy fighter jets, with an option to purchase an additional 25 aircraft. The agreement covers the design, technology integration, equipment installation, testing, production, and delivery of the advanced aircraft to the Israeli air force.

US officials confirmed the deal is part of a broader arms sale program for Israel. Boeing is designated to complete the contract by 2036. The announcement followed a meeting between then-US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

An F-15 fighter jet at an Israeli air base on 5/5. Photo: IDF

Separately, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced in 11/2024 that it had signed a 5,2 billion USD contract for the initial 25 F-15IA fighter jets, also including the option for an additional 25. This acquisition is financed by Washington's military aid budget for Tel Aviv. Deliveries of the 25 fighter jets are expected to begin in 2031, in batches of 4-6 aircraft annually.

The F-15 is a heavy fighter jet developed by McDonnell Douglas in 1967, which entered service with the US air force in 1976. It remains a core US combat aircraft, optimized for achieving air superiority and controlling airspace.

The F-15IA variant is an adaptation of the F-15EX, currently the most advanced version in US service. It incorporates specific modifications tailored to Israel's operational requirements.

The F-15EX fighter is powered by F110 engines, replacing the F100 series found on older F-15C/D and F-16 fleets. It features an improved wing structure for enhanced durability and a fly-by-wire computer-controlled system, moving away from purely hydraulic controls. The aircraft is equipped with an active electronically scanned array radar, a head-up display, and new communication equipment.

By Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Reuters, Times of Israel)