Will Israel Buy the F-15EX?
According to reports the Israeli government may be interested in procuring the F-15EX. Breaking Defense, quoting unnamed industry sources, have suggested that Israel has sent a Letter of Request (LOR) for the purchase of 25 F-15EX and the upgrade of another 25 of its F-15s to the EX variant. Tel Aviv is supposedly interested in enhancing the strike capabilities of the Israeli Air Force in case of the necessity to attack multiple heavily-defended sites in side Iranian territory. Due to limitations of the F-35, a second type of jet, able to carry heavy munitions would be useful.
The EX is the most advanced variant of the F-15. It made its first flight two years ago and has since garnered export interest from a number of nations including Indonesia. The EX is a 4.5th generation fighter and was developed from the Advanced Eagle ordered by Qatar in 2020. In the summer of 2020, the USAF ordered its first initial batch of eight F-15EXs from Boeing.
Israel has been closely monitoring the development of the relationship between Iran and Russia, as both countries recently strengthened ties amid the War in Ukraine. Teheran has been supplying the Russian Federation with Shaded-136 drones and other war materials despite international condemnation. The main concern of Israeli officials is the possible delivery of S-400 systems by the Russians to protect high-value sites, especially related to Iran’s nuclear program.
According to Breaking News, Israel decided to procure more F-35 and F-15 jets based on the assumption they will be facing advanced anti-air systems. In theory, F-35s would serve as a ‘breakthrough’ force, neutralizing anti-aircraft defenses while F-15s would deliver advanced weapons systems to perform a successful strike.
The estimated date of order completion is believed to be set by 2028. Israel might push for faster deliveries from Boeing. Israel purchased its first F-15 jets back in the 1970s. The planes have received a mid-life upgrade and while estimates vary the IAF is believed to currently operate 66 F-15s in A, C, and I variants, 18 F-15 in B and D variants as well as 175 F-16 of C and I variants along with 32 F-35I. Procurement of additional 25 F-15 fighters would not be a significant bolster to the IAF in terms of numbers, but 50 modern ‘Eagles’ would increase the overall quality of Israeli tactical fighter aircraft squadrons.