Israel pushes for expedited delivery of advanced F-15EX jets

In an article disseminated by Bulgarian Military.com, the F-15IA, a specialized variant of the F-15EX, represents a significant advancement in military aviation, designed to meet the specific needs of the Israeli Air Force. 

Tel Aviv is pressing Washington to expedite the delivery of the latest F-15EX variant for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). With tensions with Iran reaching dangerous levels, the IAF has turned to its Ministry of Defence to facilitate a swift delivery.

To achieve this, Tel Aviv may need to convince Washington to adjust its production schedule and prioritize Israel. Earlier this year, Washington approved the purchase of 50 F-15EX fighter jets for Israel, which had initially faced opposition from two Democratic members of Congress. After negotiations, the blockage was lifted, allowing for an $18 billion deal to proceed. 

However, estimates suggest that the first of these F-15EXs may not arrive until 2028 or even 2029. The growing military threat from Iran highlights the urgency for the IAF to enhance its fleet of Boeing F-15IAs to 50, with deliveries needed as soon as possible. While the F-35 contract has been executed, the agreement for the advanced F-15s has yet to come to fruition. The IAF has an immediate need for additional F-15s equipped with Israeli-developed weapon systems capable of targeting fortified sites, including Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Former Chief of the General Staff of the Israeli army, Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, emphasises the critical role of these aircraft in missions against Iranian nuclear facilities and in addressing threats from groups like Hezbollah. With weapons designed to penetrate fortified targets, the F-15EX is expected to enhance Israel’s strategic advantage in the region.

Additionally, Israeli officials stress that the emerging defence ties between Iran and Russia, particularly the potential delivery of advanced air defence systems like the S-400 to Iran, heighten the urgency for acquiring the F-15EX. Israeli military analysts point out that these jets not only carry more armaments than their peers but are also capable of launching hypersonic missiles, making them essential for future high-stakes conflicts.

Accelerating the acquisition of the F-15EX is vital for Israel, especially given threats from Iran and missile attacks from terrorist groups such as Hezbollah. Boeing, the main manufacturer of the F-15EX, faces significant pressure to speed up production.

The aircraft is in high demand from both Israel and the US Air Force, which requires the jets for its operations. This high demand could create competition for production slots, potentially delaying deliveries to international clients unless priorities are reassessed. Additional pressure may arise from Israel’s regional allies, eager to modernize their naval forces. 

Other US allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are also looking to upgrade their air forces and are pursuing similar fast-track agreements for fighter jets. These countries may also be pushing Washington to expedite supplies, especially in light of increasing threats from Iran. This competition for US weapon systems could complicate negotiations as each nation seeks to secure priority. 

Domestically, US political processes play a significant role in determining the timeline for delivering F-15EX fighter jets to Israel. Congress is essential in authorizing military equipment sales to foreign nations. In the past, opposition from some Democratic representatives has stalled progress on this deal. These political disagreements often center around concerns about maintaining the balance of power in the Middle East and their implications for other US allies in the region. However, successfully navigating the approval process for the 50-plane deal demonstrates that such hurdles can be overcome through diplomatic efforts and pressure from Israel. 

By Naila Huseynova