JERUSALEM: Israel has signed a multi-billion-dollar deal to buy 25 modern F-15 fighter jets from Boeing.
According to the report of the Reuters news agency, the Ministry of Defense of Israel said in a statement that an agreement has been signed to buy modern F-15 fighter jets from the Boeing company.
The $5.2 billion deal was part of the US aid package approved by the US administration and Congress earlier this year and included the purchase of 25 additional aircraft, the statement said.
The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated that the delivery of F-15IA aircraft will begin in 2031 and will be based on 4 to 6 aircraft per year.
The Boeing-acquired aircraft will be equipped with weapons systems that will complement Israel’s existing weapons, as well as with additional range and payloads.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense said the development will help the Israeli Air Force maintain its strategic superiority to meet current and future challenges in the Middle East.
Director General of the Ministry of Defense Eyal Zemir said that these F-15 aircraft were acquired earlier this year along with the third F-35 squadron, which reflects the increase in our air power and strategic capabilities and is a vital part of the current war. The duration will prove to be important.
He said that the government has made these contracts during the war that started on October 7, 2023, which are worth 40 billion dollars.
“We are investing in a long-term strategic capability while focusing on the immediate needs for weapons and ammunition innovation at an unprecedented level,” he said.
The F-15 deal with Boeing is the second major deal this year, with El Al Israel Airlines in August signing a contract with Boeing for 31 737 Max planes worth $2.5 billion.
“We will continue to work with the governments of the United States and Israel to deliver F-15IA aircraft through standard military channels,” Boeing Israel President Edu Nehushtan said.
