Israel, Boeing agree to $5.2B deal for 25 F-15 fighter jets

Israel's Ministry of Defense and Boeing agreed to a $5.2 billion deal to acquire 25 F-15 next-generation fighter jets. 

The Jewish state’s defense ministry said the agreement, signed on Wednesday, was part of a broader package of U.S. aid that Congress and the administration greenlighted. It also includes an option for another 25 jets. 

The fighter aircraft will have the latest Israeli weapons system as well as increased payload capacity, enhanced range capabilities and improved “performance across various operational scenarios.” 

The delivery of the jets will start in 2031 with 4 to 6 of them being supplied annually. 

Eyal Zamir, the director general of Israel’s defense ministry, said the government secured procurement agreements worth almost $40 billion since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct. 7, 2023. 

“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,” Zamir said in a statement. 

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

Boeing also reached an agreement in August with Israeli carrier El Al to acquire up to 31 Boeing 737 MAX jets. 

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