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In a significant step to enhance its defense capabilities, Israel has secured an agreement with Boeing Co. to acquire 25 next-generation F-15 fighter jets, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft.
Announced on Thursday by Israel’s Defense Ministry, the $5.2 billion deal forms part of a broader U.S. military aid package approved by the U.S. administration and Congress earlier this year.
The agreement, hailed by Israeli defense officials as a “historic enhancement” of the nation’s air power, is anticipated to further cement Israel’s strategic edge in the region.
The Defense Ministry underscored the advanced features of the new F-15 aircraft, which are expected to bolster Israel’s air force with increased range and payload capacity.
These modifications will enable seamless integration with existing Israeli weapons systems, allowing the new fleet to operate alongside the Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) current fighter jets, including the F-35 squadron procured earlier this year.
According to the ministry’s statement, these upgrades will strengthen Israel’s “strategic superiority in addressing current and future challenges in the Middle East.”
The agreement outlines a delivery schedule commencing in 2031, with an estimated four to six F-15 jets to be delivered annually until the full order is fulfilled.
This measured rollout aims to ensure that the jets are operational and integrated into Israel’s defense structure as regional security concerns evolve.
The F-15s, long regarded as among the most formidable fighters in the world, will be a strategic complement to the F-35s already in the IAF’s arsenal.
In addition to the capabilities offered by the new F-15 models, the F-35 jets provide Israel with unmatched stealth capabilities, further expanding the reach and versatility of Israel’s air force.
The addition of a third F-35 squadron, also acquired this year, signifies a notable enhancement of Israel’s air power, particularly amid heightened tensions and ongoing conflicts in the region.
Eyal Zamir, the director-general of Israel’s Defense Ministry, called the new F-15 squadron and the expanded F-35 fleet a “historic enhancement” to Israel’s air capabilities.
“These capabilities have proven crucial during the current war,” Zamir noted, referring to the recent intensification of regional hostilities.
Zamir’s comments underscored the importance of maintaining an aerial advantage, which Israel sees as a critical factor in its defense and deterrence posture.
The financial backing for this procurement comes from the long-standing U.S. security assistance framework, underscoring the deep military ties between Israel and the United States.
U.S. Congress and the Biden administration approved this tranche of aid earlier in 2024 as part of a broader package aimed at fortifying Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities against potential threats in the region.
The upgraded F-15s are anticipated to serve a dual purpose: enhancing Israel’s immediate operational capacity and preparing the country for longer-term defense challenges as the geopolitical landscape shifts.
With increased payload capacity and range, these aircraft will allow the IAF to conduct a broader spectrum of operations, from close-range support missions to strategic deterrence patrols far beyond Israel’s borders.
Israel’s procurement of the new F-15s and additional F-35s is a statement of its commitment to sustaining a technological edge over adversaries, reflecting a doctrine that prioritizes air superiority in an increasingly complex regional environment.
The advanced features and extended capabilities of these jets will be pivotal in enabling Israel to respond swiftly and effectively to any potential security threats in the Middle East.