Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab was given an $8.6 billion contract for the F-15 fighter jets Israel Program, the Pentagon said on Monday, 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 U.S. has long been by far the largest arms supplier to its closest Middle East ally.
Pro-Palestinian and anti-war protesters around the U.S. had demanded an end to Washington’s military support for Israel due to 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 was expected to be complete by Dec. 31, 2035, the Pentagon said in a statement.
The US administration under President Donald Trump has authorized the sale of advanced technology worth $686 million to upgrade F-16 fighter jets of Pakistan, according to a notification sent by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) to Congress on December 8.
Read more: US Approves $686 Million Upgrade Package for Pakistan’s F-16 Fleet
The package includes LINK 16 systems, cryptographic equipment, avionics, updates, training, and comprehensive logistical support. The letter makes clear that the rationale for the sale is to modernize Pakistan’s F-16 fleet and addressing operational safety concerns. It also focuses on Pakistan’s readiness to absorb the technology. The Lockheed Martin Company of Fort Worth, Texas will serve as the contractor for the sale.
The letter reads that the deal “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by allowing Pakistan to retain interoperability with US and partner forces in ongoing counterterrorism efforts and in preparation for future contingency operations.”
The total estimated value of the sale is $686 million with major defense equipment valued at $37 million and other items at $649 million. The major defense equipment includes 92 LINK-16 data LINK systems and six inert MK-82-500 LV general-purpose bomb bodies.
These updates will provide more “seamless integration and interoperability between the Pakistan Air Force and the US Air Force in combat operations, exercises, and training, and refurbishment will extend the aircraft life through 2040 while addressing critical flight safety concerns,” the letter adds.
With Additional Information from South Asia Desk
