A new report published by the Hebrew daily Maariv, authored by Israeli political analyst Avi Ashkenazi, has revealed growing concern within Israeli security circles over a major U.S.–Saudi arms deal that could redefine the balance of air power in the region.
According to Ashkenazi, Boeing is reportedly considering incorporating Saudi Arabia into its global supply chain for the production of F-15 Eagle fighter jets, as part of a massive defence agreement expected to be unveiled during U.S. President Donald Trump’s current tour of the Middle East.
The potential deal involves the purchase of 25 F-15 Eagle jets, with an estimated price tag of $2.5 billion—or $100 million per aircraft.
Saudi Arabia Jumps Ahead of Israel in Line
Ashkenazi notes that Riyadh has now moved ahead of Israel in the priority queue to receive the jets, while Israel is paying approximately $120 million per unit due to its insistence on custom modifications tailored to its operational requirements.
The report further indicates that the Saudi military has expressed strong interest in acquiring a wide range of advanced U.S. weaponry, including:
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- Offensive and defensive missile systems
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- C-130 Hercules transport aircraft
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- Advanced attack and transport helicopters
However, it is the F-15 Eagle that stands out as a potential game-changer for Saudi Arabia’s air force. According to Ashkenazi, the deal could “trigger a serious strategic shift” in regional power dynamics.
A Jet Designed for Supremacy
Originally developed for the Qatari Air Force under the designation F-15QA, this new version—also referred to as F-15OR—has now been adopted by the U.S. Department of Defense as a next-generation backbone fighter.
The aircraft’s capabilities are formidable:
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- Carries up to 17.5 tons of munitions, including precision bombs and long-range missiles
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- Equipped with the most advanced radar combat systems in the world
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- Can guide other aircraft or ground-based systems toward targets it detects
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- Designed for air superiority and regional dominance
These features, combined with American endorsement, make the F-15 Eagle an elite platform—and potentially a disruptive asset if deployed by Saudi Arabia in current geopolitical conditions.
Global Demand and Israeli Unease
Ashkenazi concludes by noting that several countries—including Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Poland—have expressed formal interest in acquiring the same platform, positioning it as one of the most sought-after military aircraft in the global market today.
But it is Israel’s unease that frames the subtext of the article. The potential for Riyadh to gain access to this jet—especially before Israel—has alarmed Israeli military planners who fear the erosion of their historical air superiority and exclusive defence privileges traditionally granted by the United States.
