US to sell Israel dozens of F-15 multi-role fighter jets

Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency has said that the US Department of State has approved the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel worth $18.82 billion, as well as tactical vehicles, tank equipment, and medium-range missiles totalling $2.1 billion.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also approved the sale of tank ammunition worth approximately $774 million and army vehicles valued at $583 million, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The military department stated that Israel had previously requested the purchase of 50 new multirole F-15IA fighters, modification kits for existing F-15I fighters, engines, radars, launchers, navigation pods, and other equipment, as well as personnel training and research.

The deliveries are expected to begin in 2029.

On August 13, the US asked Türkiye and other regional allies with ties to Iran to persuade Tehran to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East. Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin held a phone call with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Austin stated that Washington is prepared to take all necessary measures to protect Israel.

Earlier, the US announced its intention to send the nuclear submarine USS Georgia to the Middle East amid rising regional tensions.

Additionally, Austin called for accelerating the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier with F-35 fighters to the area of responsibility of the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in the Middle East.

According to three American and Israeli sources, the US and Israel expect that Iran may soon strike the Jewish state in response to the death of the Hamas political bureau chief in Tehran.