Israel doubles down on F‑15EX purchase amid congressional opposition

Following the United States lead, Israel also intends to order the latest version of the F-15, the F-15EX aircraft. Although the initial plan was to order 25 units, Israel now aims to acquire twice that number.

Israel has long used F-15 aircraft, which are operated in several versions in the Air Force: F-15A, F-15C, and F-15I.

Another variant may soon join the fleet, as Israel, independent of its order for 5th-generation multi-role aircraft, the particular F-35 variant (F-35I Adir), continues to order 4th-generation machines, specifically the F-15.

Though this design is over 50 years old, it remains unmatched in many respects. Despite its age, it still outperforms newer aircraft in terms of payload and speed.

These parameters translate into the performance of its weaponry – tests have shown that, among all American aircraft, the F-15EX can engage aerial targets at the most incredible distances. The air-to-air missile launched from this aeroplane, the AIM-120 AMRAAM, flies the furthest (influenced by, among other factors, the aircraft’s altitude and speed at the time of missile launch).

The 50 F-15EX units Israel wants to acquire have been valued at £14 billion. However, the transaction has not yet been confirmed due to the opposition of several congressmen who object to exporting new weapons to Israel because of the country's actions in the Gaza Strip.

The F-15EX is formally classified as an air superiority fighter. Due to its vast payload capacity, exceeding 14 metric tonnes and its ability to strike ground targets, it is, in practice, a multi-role aircraft capable of engaging both aerial and ground targets.

The aircraft does not have structural stealth features, but low detectability and electronic warfare capabilities can be achieved through additional equipment modules, such as the EPAWSS.

Thanks to these, the F-15EX can disrupt hostile radars without sacrificing a large weaponry payload, as stealth aircraft do. With AMBER multipoint launchers, one F-15EX can carry as many as 22 AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles or 28 GBU-39/B SDB guided bombs, making it a record-holder among multi-role aircraft.