US approves major F-15 deal for Israeli Air Force

The contract covers the production and delivery of 25 new F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force.

By World Israel News Staff

The Pentagon announced Monday that Boeing has been awarded an $8.6 billion contract for the F-15 Israel Program, shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida.

According to the Pentagon, the contract covers the design, integration, testing, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft in the future.

“This contract provides for the design, integration, instrumentation, test, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft for the Israeli Air Force with an option for an additional 25 F-15IA aircraft,” the Pentagon said in its statement.

The announcement underscores Washington’s continued commitment to maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge, particularly in air power, amid rising regional tensions.

However, concerns were raised following comments by Trump at the conclusion of his joint press conference with Netanyahu, when he was asked whether the United States would sell F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. “We are thinking about it seriously,” Trump said.

Pressed on the possibility of conflict between Israel and Turkey, Trump sought to downplay concerns, referring to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as “a very good friend,” adding, “I promise they’ll never use them. We’re not going to have a problem.”

Turkey, a NATO member, has sharply deteriorated relations with Israel since October 7, 2023, imposing a trade embargo and escalating political attacks, while significantly expanding its military capabilities. Israeli officials have warned that advanced U.S. weapons sales to Ankara could alter the regional balance.

The strategic importance of air superiority was highlighted last week at Hatzerim Airbase, where the Israeli Air Force welcomed a new generation of combat aviators during the graduation ceremony of Flight Course No. 191.

Speaking at the ceremony, Netanyahu stressed that air power remains central to Israel’s security doctrine.

“Israel’s air superiority in the Middle East is a foundation of our national defense,” he said, adding that Israel will continue equipping its pilots with the most advanced capabilities while preventing hostile actors from acquiring similar tools.