In a monumental move that could have a telling effect on the USAF’s own procurement-making process for acquiring new aircraft, Israel has selected the F-15X (F-15IA) to complement its growing fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters. According to the National Interest, “… the F-15X is a new variant of the venerable jet [that] offers more modern flight controls, cockpit displays, and radar,” Weisgerber wrote, citing military and industry sources. He added that it would also pack more firepower, including two dozen air-to-air missiles.”

By doing so, Israeli war planners feel confident that once the F-35’s have carried out their mission of clearing the skies of enemy aircraft, the F-15IS could then be used to either defeat any remaining adversarial targets the F-35s were incapable of engaging or begin the arduous process of eliminating any ground-based threats that could hinder or impede their progress both in the air or on the ground.  For more information on the announcement, visit Defence Blog.