Pentagon Approves Military Sale
Boeing has landed a major $8.6 billion defense contract, strengthening America’s strategic alliance with Israel and delivering a significant boost to U.S. manufacturing, according to a statement released Monday by the U.S. Department of Defense.
The announcement followed a high-profile meeting between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Florida, underscoring continued cooperation between the two longtime allies amid rising instability in the Middle East.
Under the agreement, Boeing will design, manufacture, test, and deliver 25 advanced F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force. The deal also includes an option for Israel to acquire up to 25 additional aircraft, potentially doubling the size of the program.
Pentagon officials confirmed the sale is being executed through the Foreign Military Sales program, a long-standing framework used by the United States to equip trusted allies while strengthening America’s own defense industrial base. For decades, the U.S. has remained Israel’s primary military supplier, citing shared security interests and regional deterrence.
While protest movements have called for limits on U.S. military assistance to Israel during the Gaza conflict, American defense policy has remained consistent. Support for Israel’s ability to defend itself has continued across administrations, including under President Trump and former President Joe Biden.
Importantly for American workers, the Pentagon said the majority of the contract work will take place in St. Louis, Missouri, supporting high-skill aerospace jobs and reinforcing the U.S. defense manufacturing sector. The project is scheduled to continue through December 31, 2035, reflecting a long-term commitment to both national security and domestic industry.
Why It Matters
Defense analysts note that large-scale programs like this not only enhance allied military readiness but also inject billions into the U.S. economy, sustain tens of thousands of jobs, and preserve America’s technological edge in air superiority.
