Amidst the looming threat of an all-out Iran-Israel war, Israel’s Defense Ministry said the country will purchase 25 F-15IA fighter planes, with an option to procure an additional 25 in the future, from US aerospace giant Boeing.
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Iran-Israel War: Israel, which is staring at the possibility of a full-scale war with its arch nemesis, Iran, has recently placed an order to acquire a squadron of F-15IA fighter jets from the United States. According to Israel’s Defense Ministry, the country will purchase 25 F-15IA fighter planes, with an option to procure an additional 25 in the future, from US aerospace giant Boeing.
But why is Israel opting for F-15s, instead of more modern variants like the F-22s or F-35s? Here’s what makes the F-15IA jets a suitable options for Israel’s needs.
F-15IA features, capabilities
Manufactured by Boeing, the F-15IA fighter jets are the Israeli version of the advanced F-15EX. An upgraded version of the F-15 fighter jets, which were developed more than 50 years ago, the F-15IA is equipped with cutting-edge weapon systems, boasting enhanced range, increased payload capacity, and superior performance.
The Israeli Air Force (IAF) is undoubtedly the most advanced air force in the Middle East and one of the most formidable in the world, boasting a fleet of around 300 combat-ready fighter planes, including F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet. It was the first country to deploy F-35 jets in combat, the US recently became the second when it used the cutting-edge warplanes to bomb Houthi targets in Yemen.
But, despite having the latest and greatest in fighter jets, Israel continues to rely on the F-15s in various combat situations, because of certain advantages which the battle-tested warplane provides.
Why Israel prefers F-15s?
The F-15s have been the backbone of IAF’s combat missions since decades, boasting zero combat losses and a high strike rate on targets. The F-15EX and its Israeli variant F-15IA lack modern features, such as stealth, of F-22 Raptor and F-35, but offers other combat capabilities, such as its unmatched payload capacity.
Nicknamed the “Bomb Truck”, the F-15EX has external storage for carrying munitions, giving it the ability to carry a much larger amount compared to the F-35 which has an internal weapons storage to maintain its ultra-low radar cross-section (RCS) and stealth capability. The large load-carrying capacity makes the F-15EX a vital asset in combat scenarios that mandate heavy firepower.
The F-15EX Eagle II can carry around 30,000 pounds of munitions, apart from being able to carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles, such as the heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAMs, making it a crucial asset to maintain air superiority.
Additionally, the F-15EX fighter can be loaded with up to 24 air-to-ground munitions, including stand-off weapons, cruise missiles, and smart bombs, for ground attack missions. Despite its munitions capacity, the F-15EX does not lack in speed either, being able to reach speeds of over Mach 2.5 (2,800 mph), and an operational range of around 2,000 miles.
“With a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs. (13,300 kg) – including outsized weapons – the F-15EX delivers affordable mass to address rapidly evolving threats. When this payload is combined with range, contemporary sensors, and an advanced electronic warfare suite, the F-15EX presents peer adversaries with multiple challenges both inside and outside of threat rings,” Boeing says about its F-15EX Eagle II.