Israel announces $5.2 billion deal to purchase 25 Boeing fighter jets made in St. Louis

Israel’s government announced today that it plans to purchase 25 new advanced F-15 fighter jets made in St. Louis by American aerospace giant Boeing.

The announcement comes next approval from the US Secretary of State for Israel to purchase $18.82 billion worth of military equipment, including the option for Israel to purchase an additional 25 F-15IA fighter jets.

Deliveries of the St. Louis-made Jets are expected to begin in 2031, with four to six aircraft delivered each year.

The US has been a major supplier of military equipment to Israel for more than a year, after Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023 led to a wider war in Gaza and the region, now involving Hezbollah in Lebanon and increasing conflict with Iran .

The Biden administration has warned Israel that the US would cut military aid this month if the country did not help get more humanitarian aid to Gaza. This week, a State Department spokesperson said Israel has so far failed to improve aid deliveries.

For his part, President-elect Donald Trump has said he will end the conflict in the Middle East, without detailing plans on how to do so.