The US State Department has paved the way for Israel to close an order for 50 F-15IA fighters with Boeing, in addition to the modernization of another 25 similar jets in a package that could reach US$18.82 billion.
The approval comes within the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program and amid the country’s conflict with the Hamas group in the Gaza Strip.
When finalized, the deal will include items such as 120 F110-GE-129 engines, 75 APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array radars, 50 AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods, 320 LAU-128 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile launchers and 25 M61A Vulcan cannons.
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There is also various attack and defense equipment such as chaff and flares, navigation systems and ammunition.
The 50 fighters will be the new F-15EX variant, which has received several improvements. The mid-life upgrade package is expected to increase the capacity of 25 older F-15s already in service.
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2029, said the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).
“The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives,” stated the DSCA.
The Israeli Air Force currently has around 80 F-15 fighters, in addition to hundreds of F-16s and at least 40 5th generation F-35 fighters.
