The US Department of Defense has awarded Boeing an $8,6 billion contract to produce and deliver 25 new F-15IA fighter jets to Israel. The agreement, officially announced on December 29, 2025, also includes an option to purchase 25 additional aircraft in the future.
This decision follows high-level talks between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Florida. The contract includes production, development, systems integration, and testing of the aircraft, with manufacturing to take place at Boeing's facility in St. Louis, Missouri. The contract is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2035.
This new contract supplements a $5,2 billion order placed in November 2024, which was financed by US military aid. With this latest agreement, the total number of F-15IA aircraft ordered increases to 50. The F-15IA is the Israeli specification of the F-15EX Eagle II and represents a technologically advanced version of the proven fighter jet. It is powered by new F110-GE-129 engines and features a digital cockpit, modern radar systems, and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. A key feature is improved communication with F-35 stealth jets, which is expected to significantly increase the operational effectiveness of the Israeli Air Force in conjunction with other aircraft.
Technically, the F-15IA is designed for heavy payloads and can carry up to 24 air-to-air missiles, making it one of the most powerful aircraft in its class. The integration of new mission computers and advanced sensors will enable the aircraft to detect and engage threats at greater ranges. For the Israeli Air Force, the modernization represents a significant expansion of its existing fleet of 66 older F-15 variants. Industry experts indicate that the first deliveries are expected in 2031 and that the F-15IA will play a central role in Israel's long-term defense strategy.
The multi-billion-dollar arms deal solidifies the long-standing military cooperation between the US and Israel and simultaneously secures thousands of jobs in the US defense industry. Since the F-15EX has a service life of up to 20.000 flight hours, the investment is designed for decades of use. Funding is primarily provided through the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program, through which the US provides billions of dollars annually for Israeli arms purchases. Critics and observers view the massive expansion of the air force as a response to the persistently complex security challenges in the Middle East, while maintaining technological superiority over regional actors.