Israel announced that it has signed a $5.2 billion agreement to purchase 25 F-15IA fighter jets, a variant based on the most advanced F-15EX model from the United States.

The Israeli Ministry of Defense stated today that the contract covers 25 F-15IA heavy fighters manufactured by Boeing, with an option to purchase an additional 25 aircraft if needed. The $5.2 billion deal, funded through U.S. military aid to Israel, received approval from both the U.S. government and Congress earlier this year.

The delivery of the 25 jets will be conducted in batches of 4-6 aircraft per year, starting in 2031.

"The new fighters will be equipped with advanced weapons systems, including Israel’s cutting-edge technologies. The aircraft will carry more weapons and fuel, enhancing combat capabilities across various operational scenarios. This upgrade allows the Israeli Air Force to maintain its strategic edge against current and future challenges in the Middle East," the Israeli Ministry of Defense stated. Ido Nehushtan, chairman of Boeing’s Israel division, noted that the company will collaborate with both the U.S. and Israeli governments to deliver the F-15IA jets "via standard military procurement channels."

The F-15 is a heavy fighter initially developed by McDonnell Douglas in 1967 and has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since 1976. It is one of America’s primary fighter jets, optimized for air superiority and dominance in the skies.

The F-15IA is derived from the latest F-15EX variant in the U.S. inventory but incorporates specific modifications tailored to Israel’s requirements.

The F-15EX fighter jet is powered by F110 engines, replacing the F100 engines used in the older F-15C/D and F-16 fleets. Its wing structure has been upgraded for greater durability, while the flight control system has shifted from purely hydraulic to a computer-based fly-by-wire system. The aircraft is also fitted with an advanced active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a heads-up display, and modern communication equipment.

The U.S. version of the F-15EX features an Advanced Missile and Bomb Ejection Rack (AMBER), capable of carrying up to 22 bombs and missiles. The U.S. Air Force currently has eight F-15EX fighters, including two operational aircraft in combat units and six used for testing and evaluation.