Israel’s Ministry of Defense has officially announced an unprecedented defense procurement agreement with Boeing to acquire a fleet of F-15IA fighter jets, a customized Israeli variant of the state-of-the-art F-15EX Eagle II. The $5.2 billion deal marks one of Israel’s most significant arms acquisitions in recent years, reinforcing its air superiority with an advanced jet that combines extensive firepower, state-of-the-art avionics, and a range capable of reaching critical theaters across the Middle East.
The purchase of 25 new F-15IA jets, with an option for an additional 25, underscores Israel’s commitment to maintaining its strategic edge in the region amidst evolving threats. These acquisitions are set to be funded through U.S. military aid, and the aircraft will be delivered in batches starting in 2031, solidifying Israel’s long-term defense plans.
Israel’s Defense Ministry clarified that the acquisition of the F-15IA aligns with its overarching strategy to sustain and strengthen its air superiority against regional adversaries. The jets will integrate highly sophisticated Israeli systems and the latest U.S. technologies, ensuring that Israel’s Air Force remains at the forefront of tactical and strategic capabilities. The F-15IA’s enhancements include increased payload capacity, extended range, and improved operational adaptability.
“The Ministry is executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the IDF’s operational capabilities,” said Eyal Zamir, Director-General of Israel’s Defense Ministry. “Since the onset of the war, we have secured procurement agreements worth nearly $40 billion. This F-15 squadron, along with the recent acquisition of a third squadron of F-35s, marks an unprecedented upgrade in our air power and strategic reach—assets that are essential in the current conflict.”
The deal follows a recent U.S. State Department approval in August that authorized the sale of military equipment valued at $18 billion, including the F-15IA and upgrade kits for Israel’s existing fleet of F-15Is.
The longstanding relationship between Boeing and Israel, which began shortly after Israel’s establishment, has resulted in multiple advanced fighter aircraft for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). Ido Nehushtan, President of Boeing Israel and former Chief of the IAF, emphasized Boeing’s commitment to this partnership: “Boeing is honored to work alongside the U.S. and Israeli governments to deliver these advanced jets, ensuring that Israel maintains its defensive and strategic capabilities.”
The F-15 Eagle series is renowned worldwide for its durability, agility, and resilience, all while carrying a massive payload. The F-15IA, an Israeli-adapted version of the F-15EX, has been upgraded to maximize combat efficiency across multiple mission types, whether in air superiority roles or complex ground-attack scenarios. Although lacking stealth capabilities, the F-15IA compensates with a unique combination of firepower and versatility.
The F-15IA’s payload capacity is designed to carry an impressive array of munitions, allowing the jet to undertake high-intensity missions where extensive firepower is essential. Boeing highlights this feature, explaining, “With a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs., the F-15EX delivers affordable mass to address rapidly evolving threats.” The jet’s ability to carry both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, including precision-guided munitions and cruise missiles, provides Israel with the heavy arsenal needed for sustained combat operations.
Moreover, the F-15IA’s operational range of approximately 2,000 miles means it can engage targets far beyond Israel’s borders, covering vast areas with limited need for in-air refueling. This capability is crucial for Israel, allowing it to conduct operations across the Middle East effectively.
In addition to its formidable payload, the F-15IA includes an advanced electronic warfare suite, providing substantial resistance against enemy radar systems. The jet is fitted with high-tech sensors that enable it to track multiple targets at once, enhancing both defensive and offensive maneuverability. These capabilities, combined with the jet’s ability to fly at speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, make the F-15IA an ideal platform for Israel’s varied mission profiles.
The Israeli Air Force, known as one of the most formidable in the region, will add the F-15IA to an already impressive array of fighter jets. With around 300 combat-ready aircraft, including the advanced F-35 Lightning II, Israel’s air force is configured for rapid response and high-impact operations.
While the F-35I “Adir” jets, a specially adapted stealth variant, offer Israel the advantage of ultra-low radar detectability, the F-15IA brings a different strength—massive payload capacity for high-stakes, firepower-intensive missions. The IAF also operates other variants of the F-15, which have historically demonstrated exceptional performance in the region, boasting zero combat losses and numerous air-to-air victories.
First introduced in 1976, the F-15 series has an exceptional track record for durability and survivability. Despite a service history spanning nearly five decades, the aircraft has one of the lowest loss rates among fighters, with fewer than two losses per 100,000 flight hours. Although the F-15 does not offer stealth capabilities comparable to newer fighters like the F-35 or F-22, it has continued to evolve, particularly with the introduction of the F-15EX Eagle II, which serves as the basis for the F-15IA.
The strategic addition of the F-15IA represents a critical balance in Israel’s air force arsenal. The F-35’s internal weapons storage allows it to remain undetectable by radar, but limits its payload capacity. In contrast, the F-15IA’s ability to carry munitions externally enables it to deploy a greater variety and volume of weaponry, an advantage in conflicts that necessitate sustained strikes with a heavy payload.
This complementary pairing enables Israel to address a diverse range of mission requirements, from stealth-based reconnaissance and targeted strikes to high-intensity air superiority operations. The IAF’s operational experience with the F-35 further solidifies its standing as the only nation outside the U.S. to deploy the F-35 in active combat.
The acquisition of the F-15IA comes amid shifting alliances and heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Israel’s investment in advanced air capabilities signals a clear message to both allies and adversaries: the country remains committed to preserving its security and deterring potential threats. This deal also reflects the influence of U.S.-Israeli military collaboration, with military aid from the United States allowing Israel to pursue an aggressive defense acquisition strategy.
As Director-General Zamir indicated, Israel’s recent $40 billion investment in defense includes a focus on immediate and future needs, equipping the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) with weapons and ammunition critical for current and upcoming challenges. The new F-15IA jets will serve as a vital asset in Israel’s ongoing efforts to counter threats from Iran and other hostile actors in the region.
The U.S. government’s approval of the F-15IA sale reinforces the depth of U.S.-Israeli defense ties. The August approval by the U.S. State Department included not only the new aircraft but also upgrade kits for Israel’s existing F-15 fleet. This cooperation extends beyond the hardware, involving joint training and strategic planning aimed at enhancing Israel’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
