Summary and Key Points: The F-15I Ra’am (“Thunder”) is Israel’s tailored version of the American F-15E Strike Eagle, specifically designed to fulfill Israel’s unique defense needs.
-Introduced in 1998 after vulnerabilities revealed in the Gulf War, the Ra’am integrates advanced Israeli avionics, superior radar, and precision weaponry, making it ideal for deep strike missions.
-Notably employed in operations like the 2007 attack on Syria’s nuclear reactor, the F-15I demonstrates unmatched capability in both air-to-ground and air-to-air roles.
-With continuous upgrades and expansion, including the newer F-15IA, the Ra’am remains essential in maintaining Israel’s air superiority, deterring threats, and safeguarding national security in a volatile region.
Inside Israel’s Deadliest Fighter Jet: Meet the F-15I Ra’am
The F-15I Ra’am, which translates to “Thunder” in Hebrew, is a formidable strike fighter aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). The Ra’am is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle, but tailored specifically to meet Israel’s unique defense needs. Since its introduction in 1998, the F-15I has played a crucial role in maintaining Israel’s air superiority and executing precision strikes against critical targets.
F-15s for Israel
The story of the F-15I begins in the aftermath of the 1991 Gulf War. During that conflict, Israel was threatened by Iraqi SCUD ballistic missiles, which exposed vulnerabilities in its defense capabilities.
To address these shortcomings, the IAF sought a long-range strike platform capable of penetrating enemy airspace and neutralizing threats before they could reach Israeli territory.
After evaluating several American options, including the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F/A-18 Hornet, Israel opted for the F-15E Strike Eagle. The decision was driven by the Strike Eagle’s proven performance in tactical strikes paired with its air-to-air combat prowess. In early 1994, Israel placed an initial order for 21 F-15I aircraft, which was later expanded to a total of 25 units.
Design and Features
The F-15I Ra’am shares many design elements with the F-15E Strike Eagle, but it incorporates several modifications to answer the IAF’s requirements. The aircraft features a twin-seat, twin-engine configuration, with the crew seated in tandem. The fuselage houses the engines side-by-side, and the wing mainplanes are shoulder-mounted with swept leading edges.
One of the key enhancements in the F-15I is its avionics suite. The aircraft is equipped with the Hughes APG-70 synthetic aperture radar, which provides all-weather functionality and advanced targeting capabilities. Additionally, the F-15I incorporates Israeli-developed avionics, including a Radar Warning Receiver and cockpit systems designed for enhanced situational awareness. The Helmet-Mounted Display system allows pilots to track and engage targets with greater precision.
Armament and Capabilities
The F-15I Ra’am is armed with a variety of weapons to fulfill its multirole mission. It retains the M61A1 Vulcan 20-mm internal cannon for close-range engagements. The aircraft can carry up to 23,000 pounds of air-launched or air-dropped munitions, including precision-guided bombs and missiles. This extensive payload capacity equips the F-15I to conduct deep strike missions against high-value targets.
In terms of air-to-air combat, the F-15I is equipped with advanced missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder. The combination of air-to-ground and air-to-air capabilities makes the F-15I a versatile and formidable asset in the IAF’s arsenal.
Operational History
Since its introduction, the F-15I Ra’am has been a cornerstone of Israel’s defense strategy. The aircraft has participated in numerous operations, demonstrating its effectiveness in both offensive and defensive roles. One notable example is Operation Orchard in 2007, where Israeli F-15Is successfully destroyed a suspected nuclear reactor in Syria. This mission showcased the aircraft’s ability to conduct long-range precision strikes with minimal risk to Israeli forces.
The F-15I has also been involved in various conflicts and skirmishes, providing air support and conducting strikes against hostile targets. Its advanced avionics and weapon systems have proven invaluable in maintaining Israel’s air superiority and deterring potential threats.
What’s the Difference Between an F-15I and an F-15E
The F-15I shares many similarities with the original F-15E, but there are a few nuances that separate them. For instance, while the F-15E also uses the APG-70 radar, the F-15I’s version includes additional Israeli modifications for enhanced performance. The F-15I features the Elbit Systems Display and Sight Helmet system, allowing pilots to track and engage targets more effectively—a system not present in the F-15E. Additionally, the F-15I incorporates Israeli-developed Electronic Warfare systems tailored to counter regional threats, providing an extra layer of defense unique to this variant.
In terms of operational use, while both aircraft are designed for multirole missions, the F-15I is specifically tailored for long-range strike missions to address Israel’s strategic needs. The F-15E, on the other hand, is used by the U.S. Air Force for a broader range of tactical missions, including interdiction, deep strikes, and close air support.
Israel’s F-15 Fleet is Still Growing
The F-15I Ra’am continues to evolve with advancements in technology and upgrades to its systems. In recent years, Israel has sought to enhance its fleet with additional F-15 variants, including the F-15EX (redesignated F-15IA).
These newer models offer improved capabilities, such as enhanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and greater survivability in contested environments.
The acquisition of these advanced fighters is part of Israel’s broader strategy to maintain a qualitative edge over potential adversaries. With ongoing regional conflicts and emerging threats, the F-15I and its successors will play a critical role in ensuring Israel’s security and defense readiness.
The F-15I Ra’am stands as a testament to Israel’s commitment to maintaining a robust and capable air force. Its development and operational history highlight the importance of adapting proven platforms to meet specific defense needs.
As Israel continues to face evolving threats, the F-15I will remain a key asset in safeguarding the nation’s skies and ensuring its strategic objectives are met.
F-15I Ra’am: A Story in Photos
F-15I Ra’am Israeli Air Force.
F-15I
F-15I Ra’am. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
Image: Creative Commons. Image is of a F-15I.
F-15I. Image: Creative Commons.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
