In a decision expected to affect US allies in the Middle East, the US military has agreed to continue production of the F-15E fighter-jet, reported Middle East News Line (MENL).
Officials were quoted by the news service as saying the US Air Force has completed terms of a contract for the production of 10 F-15E aircraft. The contract would ensure production of the warplane through 2004.
The resumption of F-15E production will include new subsystems and upgrades. The contract for the 10 aircraft is valued at $571 million.
The US Air Force agreed for the resumption of production of the F-15E amid delays and cost overruns of the F-22, meant to replace the Boeing fighter-jet. Many in Congress have deemed the F-22 to be too costly.
According to MENL, US allies of the Middle East have closely followed the US Air Force contract with Boeing. Israel and Saudi Arabia have F-15E fleets and have expressed interest in additional sales.
Israel has discussed with the Pentagon the prospect of purchasing an additional six F-15E fighter-jets. The fighter-jets would be modified to a configuration similar to that of the F-15I delivered to Israel in 1999 – Albawaba.com
