Israel Orders 25 F-15 Fighters From Boeing
The Ministry of Defense of Israel has signed an agreement to purchase 25 F-15 fighter jets from Boeing. The Defense Ministry stated that the £5.2 billion deal is part of a broader package approved by the U.S. administration and Congress earlier this year, and provides for the possibility of purchasing 25 more aircraft. The new F-15IAs will be equipped with weapon systems integrated with Israeli weapons and will have an increased range and payload.
"These advantages will allow the Israeli Air Force to maintain a strategic advantage in meeting current and future challenges in the Middle East," the ministry stated. Deliveries of the F-15 will begin in 2031, with 4-6 aircraft delivered annually in the Israeli version of the F-15IA.
Signing of the agreement regarding F-15 fighter jets. November 2024. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Defense
"This F-15 squadron, along with the third F-35 squadron procured earlier this year, represents a historic enhancement to our air power and strategic range--capabilities that have proven decisive in the current war," Israeli Defense Ministry Director-General Eyal Zamir stated.
In July 2024, the Israeli Air Force retired the last F-16C Barak-1 fighter jet, which will be replaced by more modern aircraft. The withdrawal of F-16C fighters is due to the fact that Israel is switching to modern F-35I fighters, which have received initial operational readiness as part of the Air Force.
An F-16C Barak-1 fighter jet of the Israeli Air Force.
Photo: IAF
In June, the Israeli government ordered an additional 25 F-35I fighters to form the third combat squadron in the country's Air Force. With the signing of this agreement, the country's Air Force will be able to man the third combat squadron, which will complement the already formed 116th and 140th fighter squadrons.
F-35I of the Israeli Air Force. Photo: Israeli Ministry of Defense
In addition, the total air fleet of F-35I aircraft will be expanded to 75 units.
This purchase is being funded by U.S. military aid to Israel, which underscores the financial and strategic ties between the two countries.