Can Boeing Make Enough F-15EX Fighters In a Timely Manner? Boeing's F-15EX Eagle II is seeing increasing demand amid rising tensions in the Middle East, especially as Israel expands its aerial capabilities. Israel has approved a purchase of up to 50 F-15IA fighters, a variant of the F-15EX, and is upgrading its older F-15I fighters with the same advanced avionics.

-Israel’s urgent need for these aircraft stems from ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, and potential future engagements with Iran.

-The F-15EX's heavy payload capacity and versatility make it ideal for these missions, potentially boosting Boeing’s production as other nations also show interest.

Boeing May Need to Ramp Up F-15EX Production

Boeing's F-15EX Eagle II may be a surprise hit – thanks to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, and fears the fighting could escalate. The aerospace giant is facing "increasing pressure" to "fast-track production" of the multirole aircraft, according to Forecast International's Defense and Security Monitor.

U.S. ally Israel received approval in August to purchase up to 50 new F-15IA­the Israeli Air Force variant­in a deal worth $18.82 billion. The deal also included mid-life upgrades for the IAF's fleet of F-15I Ra'am fighters. The deal would see those older models receive the F-15EX's avionics configuration.

"The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency stated in announcing the deal. "Incorporating F-15IAs into the Israel Air Force's fleet of fighter aircraft will enhance Israel's interoperability with U.S. systems and bolster Israel's aerial capabilities to meet current and future enemy threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats. Israel will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces."

Israel has been one of the most successful operators of the F-15 Eagle, employing in numerous combat operations over the past four decades with no losses from enemy fire. Israel has been seeking to expand its aerial capabilities since 2020. Yet, it wasn't until January 2023 that the country's Ministry of Defense (MoD) sent a formal Letter of Request for the Eagle II fighters. 

Israel Needs the Fighters Now

The demand for the fighters has taken on increased urgency as Israel is now engaged in fighting in Gaza against Hamas and in Lebanon against Hezbollah, while it also is facing a full-blown conflict with Iran. The U.S. ally has vowed to respond to Tehran's recent drone and missile strike, but when and where the IAF might strike remains unknown.

Moreover, as the Defense and Security Monitor also reported, Iran's closer ties with Russia "could see Tehran acquire Russia's advanced S-400 air defense system. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) views the F-15EX as critical to countering these threats, especially in striking heavily fortified targets."

A One-Two Punch

Though the F-15EX lacks the stealth capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir – the Israeli variant of the Joint Strike Fighter – it can carry far more ordnance. The F-15EX Eagle II's ability to carry a full dozen missiles is noteworthy, as previous models of the Cold War-era combat aircraft could only carry eight air-to-air missiles. That could make it well suited to targeting Hezbollah's tunnel complexes or even striking Iran's nuclear sites, which are also located underground.

Israel's F-35I and F-15IA fighters could be a winning combination in a conflict with Iran – today and certainly in the future.

"In an optimal scenario, the F-35 would first neutralize enemy air defenses, clearing the path for the F-15EX to conduct its strikes," the Defense and Security Monitor added.

Good News for Boeing

For aerospace giant Boeing the sudden demand for the F-15EX Eagle II – which the U.S. Air Force is also acquiring while other nations including Poland are eyeing the jets – could be seen as a "happy problem." Production of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet will wind down before the end of the decade, and the U.S. Air Force is rethinking its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

That leaves Boeing competing for the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX program, against both Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin. At the same time, due to a series of mishaps, Boeing's commercial business hasn't had anything close to a good year.

Boeing needs a win. Israel absolutely needs to win as its survival depends on it. The F-15EX Eagle II could be the answer for both.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].

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