Synopsis: Israel has finalized an $8.58 billion order for 25 new F-15IA fighters from Boeing, with an option for 25 more—its first new Eagle buy since 1999.
-The aircraft will be built in St. Louis and delivered through 2036, with Israel planning significant upgrades to communications, weapons, and avionics.
An F-15EX fighter jet taxis to its parking spot at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Nov. 8, 2021. The jet visited Wright-Patt to give the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s F-15EX program office the opportunity to see the aircraft up close. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jaima Fogg)
-The F-15IA, based on the F-15EX lineage, is positioned as a high-range, high-payload complement to Israel’s stealthy F-35I.
-In Israeli planning, the F-35I can help open contested airspace, while the F-15IA brings persistence, stand-off strike capacity, and flexible air-defense and ground-attack options across multiple regional threats.
Israel Is Excited About New F-15IA Fighter Jet Order
Israel has completed a new order of 25 F-15IAs from Boeing. These will be the first new Eagle jets to join the Israeli Air Force since 1999. The deal is worth $8.58 billion, and Israel also has an option to buy an additional 25 F-15IAs.
The fighters will be built in St. Louis, Missouri, and will be completed by 2036. Israel is expected to modify the airplanes with new communications, weapons, and avionics. The deal was cemented during a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after being initially approved in 2024. The United States also gave the Israelis the option to upgrade all of their existing F-15Is.
“The new F-15IA will be equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, including state-of-the-art Israeli technologies. The upgraded aircraft will feature enhanced range capabilities, increased payload capacity, and improved performance across various operational scenarios,” according to the Israeli Defense Ministry.
One-Two Punch Consisting of F-15IAs and F-35Is
The F-15IA will be based on the new F-15EX, which is an exciting airplane in its own right. The Israelis love to modify base models of U.S. fighter jets. The F-35I program has been a rousing success—it is one of the best warplanes in the world, and was highly successful during last year’s 12-day war against Iran.
Image: Creative Commons. Image is of a F-15I.
F-15I. Image: Creative Commons.
“Buying the F-15IA and F-35I will provide the Israeli Air Force with two complementary platforms, both of which are among the most capable anywhere around the globe, especially when it comes to long-range strike,” according to the War Zone. “Israeli F-15s, in particular, are also used for forward networking and command and control nodes, vital for managing long-range operations. On the other hand, both the F-15IA and F-35I are also more than efficient for air defense, including against drone threats, as well as air-to-ground operations closer to Israel, such as the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.”
There Is Nothing Like the Trusted F-15 Platform
Israel has flown the F-15I for decades. This jet has long range and can be outfitted with a large array of weapons. Israeli pilots also love to fly it. If the F-15IA is anything like the F-15EX, Israel should be highly satisfied with the large purchase from Boeing.
Hypersonic Weapons Are Coming Soon
The F-15IA should be able to fire hypersonic weapons someday but it will definitely launch several different kinds of stand-off missiles. Air-launched ballistic missiles played an important role during the short conflict against Iran.
Perfect for a Multi-Threat Environment
Israel has emphasized upgrading U.S.-made plans specifically for use in the Middle East. Iran is becoming more unstable, with widespread political protests, and Tehran may also be expanding its nuclear infrastructure and enriching uranium, meaning Israel or the United States may strike it again. Gaza and Lebanon are always dangerous.
The F-15IA gives Israel a high-speed fighter jet it will upgrade mightily. It will take several years before the F-15IAs are ready, but it will be worth the wait. Israel’s air force continues to be one of the most important branches of the Israeli military. It attracts the best personnel—flying for the air force is one of the most honorable professions in the country.
F-15EX Eagle II. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
This Is Just What Israel Needs at a Dangerous Time
The F-15IA will make Israel’s flying service much more powerful. Israeli battle planners will have another option to address threats—the F-15IA will be perfect for a swing role between policing Israeli air space and attacking adversaries.
The deal is also good news for the United States and its aerospace industry. Boeing’s construction of the new fighters will bring more jobs to the defense behemoth and boost economic development for the coming years.
A Great Development for Israel
It will be interesting to see how the Israelis use the F-15IA in combat. Ground strikes will be important. The jets are not fully stealthy, but they can be used on Day Two of warfare, after enemy air defenses are suppressed by the F-35I.
The F-15IA can also destroy terrorist targets that always seem to crop up in the Middle East. The F-15IA is a strong purchase and will help the Israelis attain their military objectives even better than before.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
