Boeing to build F-15s for Israel

An artist's impression of Israel's future F-15IA aircraft. Boeing has been contracted to deliver 25 aircraft, with the option for a further 25. (Israeli Ministry of Defense)

Boeing is to build F-15 Eagle combat aircraft for Israel under an USD8.58 billion contract awarded by the US Department of Defense (DoD).

Announced by the DoD on 31 December, the 10-year Foreign Military Sales (FMS) award covers 25 newbuild F-15IA (Israel Advanced) aircraft with the option for a further 25 to follow. Work will run through to 31 December 2035. The Israeli Ministry of Defense (MoD) previously said four to six aircraft will be delivered annually from 2031.

News of the contract came 13 months after Israel signed a USD5.2 billion deal with the United States for 25 F-15IAs in November 2024. This announcement seemingly did not include the option for 25 additional aircraft, which would explain why this latest contract ceiling is for nearly double the amount (less any non-recurring costs associated with the initial buy). Neither Boeing nor the Israeli and US defence ministries and departments were immediately available for clarification.