The Biden administration is reportedly close to approving the sale of 50 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets to Israel.
The proposed contract, first reported by CNN on April 1, 2024, also includes upgrading 25 Israeli Air Force F-15I already in service. The total deal is valued at $18 billion.
The F-15EX Eagle II features a host of upgraded features compared to the previous standard, such as enhanced payload capacity, fly-by-wire controls, a state-of-the-art digital cockpit, upgraded sensors, advanced radar systems, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The F-15EX is intended to replace the aging F-15C/D versions and revitalize the United States Air Force’s F-15 Eagle fleet. While it does not match certain capabilities of existing 5th-generation fighters, it is expected to provide the USAF with a more cost-effective alternative for carrying out missions such as airspace or base defense.
The Biden administration also reportedly approved the provision of 25 additional F-35I “Adir” fighter-bombers. This follows a request issued by the Israeli Air Force on September 3, 2023, to allow the creation of a third squadron of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, bringing the total fleet to 75 aircraft.