The US plans to sell Israel 25 McDonnell Douglas F-15I long-range attack jets for $2,400 million, the US Defence Department announced on 11 April. The plan includes five more aircraft than initially announced by Israel in January, but is expected to be completed without opposition from the US congress.

The F-15I is an advanced version of McDonnell's high-tech F-15 fighter. The special 'I' model will include both air combat superiority and long- range ground attack capability. The jets would allow Israel's air force to reach targets in Iran and Syria and other potential foes with bombing capability if a war broke out in the region.

The package will include 11 spare aircraft engines, which are produced by Pratt & Whitney. Martin Marietta Corporation is building the 25 sets of 'Lantirn' navigation and targeting pods, which are mounted on the jets to give them all-weather ground attack capability over long distances.