Pentagon Announces $8.6 Billion Boeing Contract for Advanced F-15 Fighter Jets under Foreign Military Sale

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded Boeing an $8.6 billion contract to design, produce, and deliver F‑15IA fighter jets for an allied nation under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. The announcement was officially made on Monday, December 29, 2025. 

Contract Details

• The contract covers the design, integration, instrumentation, testing, production, and delivery of 25 new F‑15IA aircraft, with an option for an additional 25 aircraft.
• Work is expected to be performed primarily in St. Louis, Missouri, with completion projected by December 31, 2035.
• This acquisition falls under the Foreign Military Sales program, which facilitates the transfer of U.S.-made defense systems to allied nations while maintaining collaboration with American defense manufacturers. 

Aircraft Capabilities

The F‑15IA is an advanced variant of the F‑15 series, featuring:

• Modernized avionics and instrumentation
• Expanded payload and combat capabilities
• Enhanced range and operational flexibility
• Compatibility with next-generation air-to-air and precision strike weapons

These capabilities make the aircraft suitable for air superiority, multi-role missions, and advanced operational scenarios. 

Strategic Context

The F‑15IA acquisition reflects the strategic role of advanced fighter jets in allied air forces worldwide and highlights Boeing’s continuing importance in the export of high-performance military aircraft. The contract ensures long-term work for U.S. manufacturing facilities while enhancing the operational capabilities of allied air forces.

Timeline

• Contract Announcement: December 29, 2025
• Production Start: Early 2026
• Expected Completion: December 31, 2035
• Number of Aircraft: 25 initially, with an option for an additional 25

Date of Announcement: December 29, 2025
Source: U.S. Department of Defense, Boeing, and media reports