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Breaking News: Israel’s Air Force Acquires 25 New F-15IA Fighter Jets in U.S.-Backed Deal.
The State of Israel announced on November 7, 2024, the purchase of 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets from U.S. manufacturer Boeing, valued at $5.2 billion. This acquisition, funded under U.S. military aid, underscores the strong defense partnership between Israel and the United States amidst rising regional threats. Additionally, the contract includes an option to procure 25 additional aircraft, setting the stage for a substantial enhancement of Israel's aerial capabilities in the coming decades.
Deliveries are expected to start in 2031, with 4 to 6 aircraft supplied annually through the following decade, enabling a smooth integration into the IAF (Picture source: IDF)
The Israeli variant, the F-15IA "Eagle II," represents an advanced evolution of the F-15EX, adapted specifically for the needs of the Israeli Air Force (IAF). These fighters incorporate digital flight controls, a large area glass cockpit, and the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), co-developed by Elbit Systems and Rockwell Collins. Equipped with the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) from BAE Systems, the F-15IA enhances survivability and operational effectiveness in challenging environments.
The F-15IA's armament includes 12 air-to-air and 15 air-to-ground weapon stations, providing versatile firepower for diverse mission requirements. Its AESA APG-82(V)1 radar from Raytheon Technologies ensures precise target detection and tracking. The mission computer (ADCP-II) and modern data links allow effective communication with other platforms, including the F-35, optimizing integration within the IAF's broader air force operations.
The F-15IA is derived from the F-15EX, which itself evolved from the F-15QA model developed for Qatar in 2017. These jets utilize advanced composite materials, which reduce weight and enhance durability, giving them an exceptional operational lifespan of 20,000 flight hours—over twice the 8,000 hours typical for F-35A fighters and older F-15 models. This longevity has been pivotal to the U.S. decision to continue procuring F-15s, providing Israel with aircraft that could potentially remain operational for more than 70 years.
Israel has operated F-15s since the 1970s, making it the oldest foreign user of the Eagle. The earlier F-15A/B models, still in service with outdated radar and missile systems from the Cold War era, have been maintained through costly life-extension programs to keep them airworthy. The F-15IA acquisition represents a sustainable solution for replacing these aging aircraft with more capable platforms suited for modern missions.
The contract was signed in the United States by the Director-General of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, Major General (Res.) Eyal Zamir, after extensive negotiations with Boeing and the Israeli Air Force. The F-15IA is designed to carry a larger radar and heavier armament than the F-35, while integrating advanced Israeli technologies to enhance air defense and strategic strike capabilities.
Deliveries are expected to start in 2031, with 4 to 6 aircraft supplied annually through the following decade, enabling a smooth integration into the IAF. This capability boost follows Israel’s recent acquisition of 75 F-35A jets, finalized in June for $3 billion, further strengthening Israel's strategic aerial presence in the Middle East.
This acquisition forms part of Israel’s $40 billion defense agreements in recent years, which extend beyond air power to include investments in naval, land, and intelligence modernization. This partnership, reflecting the strategic U.S.-Israel defense relationship, remains essential for regional stability and Israel’s technological superiority.
In April 2024, Israel formally received an initial delivery of 50 new F-15IA "Eagle II" aircraft, approved by the Biden administration. This $18 billion transaction includes 25 new F-15EX jets, designated F-15IA "Ra’am II" in Israel, as well as upgrades for 25 existing F-15I jets to the latest standard. These aircraft, which will take approximately five years to build, stem from Israel’s request in January 2023 to reinforce its air power, marking a significant boost in Israel’s operational capabilities and its ability to address regional security challenges.