U.S. Approves $18.82 Billion Sale Of F-15IA Aircraft To Israel

Detailed Report on Foreign Military Sale: Israel – F-15IA and F-15I+ Aircraft

On August 13, 2024, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced a potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Government of Israel, valued at approximately $18.82 billion. This proposed sale involves the procurement of advanced F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft, upgrades to existing F-15I aircraft, and a broad array of related equipment and support services. The sale underscores the strong defense relationship between the United States and Israel, aligning with the U.S. objective of maintaining Israel’s robust self-defense capabilities.

Overview of the Proposed Sale

The Government of Israel has requested the following under this proposed sale:

New Aircraft and Equipment:
Up to fifty (50) new F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft.
Mid-Life Update (MLU) modification kits for twenty-five (25) existing F-15I multi-role fighter aircraft.
One hundred twenty (120) F110-GE-129 engines.
Ninety (90) Advanced Display Core Processors II.
Seventy-five (75) APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars.
Fifty (50) AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods with containers.
Three hundred twenty (320) LAU-128 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) launchers.
Twenty-five (25) M61A Vulcan cannons.
One hundred eighty (180) Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) devices with M-Code.
Additional Support and Services:
Cartridge Actuated Devices (CADs) and Propellant Actuated Devices (PADs).
Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS).
APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
KIV-77 Mode 4/5 IFF cryptographic appliques.
AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders.
Impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares.
Integration and test support and equipment.
Aircraft and munitions support and support equipment.
Secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices.
Classified software development, delivery, and support.
Spare parts, consumables, and accessories.
Repair and return support.
Major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support.
Facilities and construction support.
Transportation and airlift support.
Classified publications and technical documentation.
Personnel training and training equipment.
Warranties, studies, and surveys.
U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services.
Other related elements of logistics and program support.

Strategic Importance

The United States views the sale as crucial to enhancing Israel’s military capabilities, particularly in terms of air superiority and interoperability with U.S. defense systems. This sale supports Israel in facing current and future threats, strengthening homeland defense, and acting as a deterrent against regional adversaries.

The introduction of F-15IAs and upgrades to the existing F-15I fleet will significantly bolster the Israel Air Force’s (IAF) capabilities, ensuring continued superiority in air operations. The advanced systems included in the sale, such as the AESA radars and JHMCS, represent cutting-edge technology that will provide Israel with enhanced situational awareness, targeting accuracy, and combat effectiveness.

Implementation and Support

The implementation of this sale will require the assignment of additional U.S. personnel to Israel. Specifically, five U.S. Government representatives and one contractor representative will be stationed in Israel for approximately eight years. Their role will include supporting the modification of the F-15I+ aircraft, ensuring the security of classified equipment, and providing technical assistance, familiarization, and training related to the F-15IA and F-15I+ programs.

Economic and Security Implications

The proposed sale will not adversely affect U.S. defense readiness, as the equipment and services provided are aligned with the planned support for allied nations. The prime contractor for this sale is The Boeing Corporation, based in St. Louis, Missouri. Israel has a history of requesting offsets in such sales, which will be determined during negotiations with the contractor.

The sale is structured to be scalable based on Israel’s final requirements and budget. The total cost of $18.82 billion reflects the highest estimated value, with the actual cost potentially being lower based on the final signed agreement.

This Foreign Military Sale is a testament to the enduring security partnership between the United States and Israel. By facilitating the acquisition and integration of advanced military technology, the sale will significantly enhance Israel’s defense capabilities, ensuring it remains a key ally in maintaining regional stability. The U.S. remains committed to supporting Israel’s security needs, aligning this sale with broader U.S. national security interests.

For further inquiries, the State Department’s Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, can be contacted via [email protected].

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Tags: air superiority Boeing Defense Security Cooperation Agency F-15I+F-15IA Foreign Military Sale Israel U.S. Department of Defense