Pentagon announces $11 billion Boeing contract for F-15 jets for Israel

WASHINGTON – Boeing was given a US$8.6 billion (S$11 billion) contract for the F-15 Israel programme, the Pentagon said on Dec 29, after US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
in Florida.

“This contract provides for the design, integration, instrumentation, test, production and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft for the Israeli Air Force, with an option for an additional 25 F-15IA aircraft,” the Pentagon said.

The Pentagon said the contract involved foreign military sales to Israel. The US has long been the largest arms supplier to its closest Middle East ally.

Pro-Palestinian and anti-war protesters across the US have demanded an end to Washington’s military support for Israel over its devastating assault on Gaza, but those demands have not been met in the administrations of President Donald Trump and former president Joe Biden.

Contract work will be performed in St Louis and is expected to be completed by Dec 31, 2035, the Pentagon said in a statement. REUTERS