전투기 이스라엘, F15IA(F-15EX) 50기 구매 및 25기 업그레이드 FMS 허가

[위종민]

이스라엘의 대규모 무기도입 계약이 FMS를 통과했습니다. F-15IA (F-15EX) 50기(25기+옵션 25기), F-15I+ 업그레이드 25기, APG-82(V)1 레이더 75기 등으로 총 계약규모는 188억 2천만 달러입니다. 이외에 AIM-120C-8 암람 30기를 1억 250만 달러에 도입하네요. 

전자전 장비는 자국산을 장비할 예정인지, 판매 허가가 안 나왔는지 모르겠는데 EAPWSS는 빠져있습니다. 

State Department Approves Sale to Israel for New F-15 Fighters (airandspaceforces.com)

An Israeli Air Force F-15I takes off during the Blue Flag exercise on Uvda Air Force Base, Israel, Nov. 26, 2013. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Lee Osberry/Released

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State Department Approves Sale of New, Updated F-15s to Israel

Aug. 13, 2024 | By Greg Hadley

The State Department approved a raft of foreign military sales to Israel on Aug. 13, including an $18 billion deal for up to 50 new F-15 fighters and upgrades to 25 existing F-15I models, plus engines, radars, and other equipment. 

The deal requires congressional approval, and would provide F-15IA aircraft, similar to the U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II, the most advanced version of the F-15. Under the agreement, Israel would buy 25 of the fighters, with options for 25 more, according to reports. 

In addition, Israel is seeking “mid-life update modification kits” for its F-15I aircraft, creating an F-15I+ program. Israel would also acquire 120 F110-GE-129 engines, 75 APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array radars, and other equipment, with a total estimated value of $18.82 billion. 

“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,” the State Department’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a release. “Israel will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.” 

“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” the release stated. 

Israel has been eyeing a variant of the F-15EX since 2018, though a formal request to the U.S. did not come until 2023. The Israeli Air Force also wants to buy more F-35Is, its variant of the F-35. 

A 142nd Wing F-15EX Eagle II, tail 008, takes off from Portland Air National Guard Base, Ore. on July 12, 2024. U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Nichole Sanchez

In addition to the F-15s, the State Department also approved the sale of up to 30 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to Israel, at the cost of $102.5 million. 

“AMRAAMs are a key aerial combat capability used to defend against airborne threats, such as the missile and drone salvo launched at Israel on April 14,” the State Department release notes. “The proposed sale will improve Israel’s capability to meet current and future enemy threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serve as a deterrent to regional threats.” 

During the April attack, Iran launched more than 100 ballistic missiles, 30 land-attack cruise missiles, and 150 drones against Israel. Israeli ground-based missile defense systems, F-15s, and F-35s all helped intercept some of those threats, and the U.S. and other allies intervened as well, with American F-15Es and F-16s in particular downing some 70 Iranian drones. 

The State Department’s approval of the sales comes as Israel and its allies await another potential attack by Iran in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. The White House has said a wave of missiles and drones could come as soon as this week, warning that it is preparing for a “significant” attack. 

US Approves Sale to Israel of F-15EX and F-15I Upgrade - The Aviationist

US Approves Sale to Israel of F-15EX and F-15I Upgrade

US Approves Sale to Israel of F-15EX and F-15I Upgrade

August 13, 2024 Military Aviation

Stefano D'Urso

An artist rendering of how the F-15EX might look like once in service in the Israeli Air Force. (Photo: Boeing)The U.S. Secretary of State has approved the sale to Israel of 50 F-15EX, which will be named F-15IA, and the upgrade to a similar configuration of the 25 F-15I Ra’am currently in service.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has just announced that the Secretary of State approved the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Israel of the F-15EX Eagle II. The aircraft, which has been named as F-15IA (Israel Advanced) will be sold together with the Mid-Life Update kits for the F-15I Ra’am already in service, which will take the existing fleet to the same configuration of the newer variant.

The deal, worth $ 18.82 billion, is part of five Israeli FMS cases approved today. These also include AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, 120 mm tank cartridges, 120 mm mortar cartridges and medium tactical vehicles. The approval of these FMS deals comes as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East while waiting for the retaliation attack that Iran has promised against Israel.

The DSCA notice mentions that Israel requested the sale of up to 50 F-15IA, together with 25 MLU modification kits. In addition to that, the FMS involves also 120 F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, 90 Advanced Display Core Processors II, 75 APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars and 50 AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods.

It is interesting to note the absence of the EPAWSS (Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems) in the equipment list. The ALQ-250 is an advanced electronic warfare and electronic surveillance system, which is fully integrated with radar warning, geo-location and increased chaff and flare capability to detects and defeat surface and airborne threats in signal-dense and highly contested environments, according to BAE Systems.

Other equipment includes LAU-128 missile rails, M61 Vulcan 20 mm cannons, Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System devices, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems. These add to the usual support, logistics, spare parts which usually are involved in similar programs. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2029.

An F-15EX assigned to the 85th Test and Eval‎uation Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Mary Begy)

The second FMS for the Israeli Air Force involves 30 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and related equipment, for a total cost of $ 102.5 million. The DSCA mentions the weapons will be sourced from new production, without providing a delivery date.

The FMS notice added that “it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability,” before mentioning the recent events. “AMRAAMs are a key aerial combat capability used to defend against airborne threats, such as the missile and drone salvo launched at Israel on April 14,” mentions the notice.

The sale of the F-15EX

The sale of the newest F-15 variant to Israel has been reported in the making for long. Last year, the Israeli Ministry of Defense sent an official Letter of Request to the United States government, starting the process for the possible approval of a Foreign Military Sale.

The Israeli government already showed interest in the F-15EX in 2020, when acquiring more F-35s and F-15s was put among the top priorities. However, political instability, budget issues and the Gaza war delayed the F-15 deal, while only the contract for more F-35s was finalized. Since 2020, the Israeli Air Force expressed an urgent need for more F-15s that could haul heavy loads, including heavy weapons made in Israel to destroy reinforced targets, such as Iranian nuclear sites.

Initially only 25 aircraft were requested, although it was reported that they could be increased to 50. The sale of the MLU modification kits was also expected, as Israel requested the upgrade of its 25 F-15I Ra’am, the Israeli variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle, to an avionic configuration similar to the F-15EX.

An Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra’am, the Israeli variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle. (Photo: Amit Agronov/Israeli Air Force)The F-15EX Eagle II

The new F-15EX, developed from the F-15QA that was the most advanced Eagle variant, comes from a series of needs mainly emerged after the National Defense Strategy directed the U.S. armed services to adapt to the new threats from China and Russia. The aircraft, while extremely similar to the QA variant, features some US-only capabilities like the new AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare and electronic surveillance system and Open Mission Systems (OMS) architecture.

The F-15EX, to be more specific, has a full glass cockpit equipped with a 10×19-inch touch-screen multifunction color display and JHMCS II both in the front and rear cockpit, Low Profile HUD in the front, stand-by display and dedicated engine, fuel and hydraulics display, in addition to the standard caution/warning lights, switches and Hands On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) control.

The systems are powered by the Advanced Display Core Processor II, reportedly the fastest mission computer ever installed on a fighter jet, and the Operational Flight Program Suite 9.1X, a customized variant of the Suite 9 used on the F-15C and F-15E, designed to ensure full interoperability of the new aircraft with the “legacy Eagles”.

The F-15EX is equipped with the new AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The radar, which has been developed from the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar of the F-15C and the APG-79 AESA radar of the F/A-18E/F, allows to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges compared to mechanical radars, facilitating persistent target observation and information sharing for a better decision-making process.

File photo. An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Eval‎uation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. (U.S Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray)

Chaff and flares capacity has been increased by 50%, with four more dispensers added in the EPAWSS fairings behind the tail fins (two for each fairing), for a total of 12 dispenser housing 360 cartridges. This improvement is important as in modern scenarios chaff and flares are often released preemptively to counter MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System), meaning that now the Eagle will have more countermeasures available for a better protection.

The F-15EX can be equipped with Conformal Fuel Tanks or FAST packs (Fuel And Sensor Tactical). These 750 gallons (2,839.1 l) tanks, which are also used on the F-15E Strike Eagle, have six mounting points for weapons and the two for sensors like the Sniper ATP and LANTIRN navigation pod. Unlike standard external fuel tanks, the FAST packs can’t be jettisoned inflight, however they do not affect excessively the performance of the F-15, as they allow the same maneuverability without g-load limitations, but only a structural restriction to not exceed Mach 2 (the reported max speed of the F-15 is Mach 2.5).

The Eagle II completed last year the Integrated Test & Eval‎uation (IT&E) Phase I, during which the F-15EX participated in 19 Large Force Exercise events where it integrated with 5th generation aircraft, recorded the longest Air-to-Air Missile employment, and validated the first F-15EX employment of the longest non-nuclear Air-to-Ground munition release in the inventory.

Israel – F-15IA and F-15I+ Aircraft | Defense Security Cooperation Agency (dsca.mil)

Israel – F-15IA and F-15I+ Aircraft

PDF Version

Press Release - Israel 24-01 CN.pdf

Media/Public Contact

pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No

24-01

WASHINGTON, August 13, 2024 - The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of F-15IA and F-15I+ Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $18.82 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Israel has requested to buy up to fifty (50) new F-15IA multi-role fighter aircraft, as well as Mid-Life Update modification kits for its existing twenty-five (25) F-15I multi-role fighter aircraft; one hundred twenty (120) F110-GE-129 engines; ninety (90) Advanced Display Core Processors II; seventy-five (75) APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array radars; fifty (50) AN/AAQ-13 LANTIRN navigation pods with containers; three-hundred twenty (320) LAU-128 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile launchers; twenty-five (25) M61A Vulcan cannons; and one hundred eighty (180) Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System devices with M-Code. Also included are Cartridge Actuated Devices and Propellant Actuated Devices; Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems; APX-119 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems; KIV-77 Mode 4/5 IFF cryptographic appliques; AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders; impulse cartridges, chaff, and flares; integration and test support and equipment; aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; secure communications equipment, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; classified software development, delivery, and support; spare parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support; major and minor modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support; facilities and construction support; transportation and airlift support; classified publications and technical documentation; personnel training and training equipment; warranties; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $18.82 billion. Deliveries are estimated to begin in 2029.

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.

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.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be The Boeing Corporation, located in St. Louis, MO. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of five additional U.S. Government representatives and one U.S. contractor representative to Israel for a duration of approximately eight years to support modification of the F-15I+, provide security for classified equipment, and provide technical assistance, familiarization, and training for Israel’s F-15IA and F-15I+ programs.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

Israel – Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles | Defense Security Cooperation Agency (dsca.mil)

Israel – Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles

PDF Version

Press Release - Israel 24-08 CN_0.pdf

Media/Public Contact

pm-cpa@state.gov

Transmittal No

24-08

WASHINGTON, August 13, 2024 - The Secretary of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Israel of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $102.5 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of Israel has requested to buy thirty (30) AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and one (1) AMRAAM guidance section (spare). The following non-MDE items will also be included: AMRAAM control sections and containers; Common Munitions Built-In-Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE); ADU-891/E Adapter Group Computer Test Sets; spare parts, consumables, accessories, repair and return support, classified and unclassified publications, and technical documentation; classified software delivery and support; munitions support and support equipment; test support and support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; warranties; studies and surveys; contractor logistics support services; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $102.5 million. These items will be sourced from new production.

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.

AMRAAMs are a key aerial combat capability used to defend against airborne threats, such as the missile and drone salvo launched at Israel on April 14. The proposed sale will improve Israel's capability 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.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Tucson, AZ. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of three additional U.S. Government representatives and one U.S. contractor representative to Israel for a duration of approximately three years to support installation and integration of equipment, provide security for classified equipment, and provide technical assistance, familiarization, and training.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military-Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

[강준구]

F-35와는 그 특성 차이가 커서인지, F-15I 계열을 장기 운용할 모양입니다.
우리도 생각해볼만한 옵션이지만, KF-21이 떡하니.. 가로 막고 있는 모양새가..음

[위종민]

미사일 많이 싣고 오래 뜰 수 있고 레이다도 좋은 기체이니 F-35와 같이 운영하기에는 최적인 것 같긴 하네요.. ㅎㅎ

[강준구]

조금 과장을 보태면, F-35가 B-2라면, F-15는 B-52느낌입니다. 이도 저도 아닌 B-1B만 퇴역을... KF-21이 B-1이 되려나.. 싶습니다.

[마로]

B-1B는 이도저도 아니라서가 아니라 너무 출중해서 퇴역당하는거에 가깝죠. 미공군 폭격기 중 폭장량도 가장 많고, 이라크전 부터해서 테러와의 전쟁 내내 로이터링 CAS로 가장 많이 혹사된 기체인겁니다.