The U.S. Department of Defense has announced a $8.58 billion sole-source contract to Boeing for the design, production, and delivery of 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets to Israel, with work at Boeing's St. Louis facility and completion targeted for December 2035.

The deal obligates $840 million upfront from Foreign Military Sales funds. The enhanced F-15IA—offering superior range, payload, and capabilities—follows Israel's November 2024 $5.2 billion commitment and aligns with broader U.S.-Israel security cooperation discussed at Mar-a-Lago between Presidents Trump and Netanyahu.

Largely funded by annual U.S. military aid (~$3.8 billion), the per-jet cost exceeds $300 million, sparking debate on taxpayer burden versus strategic alliance benefits amid Middle East tensions.

The award reinforces Israel's air superiority in the region.