Boeing secured two major Pentagon contracts on December 29, totaling approximately $12.8 billion: a $4.2 billion deal for E-4B “doomsday plane” logistics support through fiscal 2026, and an $8.6 billion award (with options) to produce up to 50 advanced F-15IA fighter jets for the Israeli Air Force. These wins, part of a broader end-of-year surge in defense awards for Boeing, highlight the strength of its Defense, Space & Security segment amid challenges in commercial aviation.
Boeing’s Major Defense Surge
Boeing closed out 2025 with a flurry of significant defense contracts, positioning the company strongly as the new year begins. The two largest awards, announced on December 29, represent a combined value of around $12.8 billion and underscore the reliability of Boeing’s defense business.
The first contract, valued at $4.2 billion, involves providing contractor logistic services for the U.S. Air Force’s E-4B fleet. These aircraft, often called “doomsday planes,” serve as airborne command centers capable of operating in extreme scenarios, including nuclear events. The deal covers maintenance, supply management, and operational support through fiscal 2026, ending September 30, 2026. This extension builds on Boeing’s long-standing role in sustaining these critical national assets.
The second and larger contract, worth up to $8.6 billion, is for the design, integration, testing, production, and delivery of 25 new F-15IA aircraft to the Israeli Air Force under the Foreign Military Sales program. This advanced variant of the F-15 features enhanced avionics, greater payload capacity, extended range, and integration of cutting-edge Israeli-specific technologies. The agreement includes an option for an additional 25 jets, potentially bringing the total to 50 aircraft. If the full option is exercised, the value reaches the ceiling; otherwise, the initial 25 units still represent substantial work, estimated at around $4.3 billion minimum. Production will occur primarily at Boeing’s facilities in St. Louis, Missouri, with completion expected by the end of 2035.
These two contracts alone form the core of the $12.8 billion headline figure, but they were part of a broader wave. Just days later, Boeing secured additional awards, including $2.7 billion for post-production support of the AH-64 Apache helicopter fleet for the U.S. Army, and a $2 billion task order for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program. In total, Boeing captured potentially up to $17.5 billion in new defense revenue over a short period at the end of 2025.
Key Contract Details
| Contract | Value | Description | Customer | Duration/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-4B Contractor Logistic Service | $4.2 billion | Maintenance, logistics, and support for E-4B “doomsday planes” | U.S. Air Force | Fiscal 2026 (through Sept. 30, 2026) |
| F-15IA Production (Israel Program) | Up to $8.6 billion | Design, production, and delivery of 25 F-15IA jets (option for 25 more) | Israeli Air Force (via FMS) | Through Dec. 31, 2035; initial funding ~$840 million |
| AH-64 Apache Post-Production Support | $2.7 billion | Logistics, engineering, and technical support | U.S. Army | Multi-year sustainment |
| B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement | $2 billion | Integration of new Rolls-Royce F130 engines | U.S. Air Force | Initial phase of major upgrade program |
All these awards fall under Boeing’s Defense, Space & Security (BDS) unit, which continues to deliver stable, profitable performance. Unlike the commercial aircraft division, which has faced ongoing losses, BDS benefits from high-margin services and long-term programs. Service-oriented contracts, like the E-4B logistics and Apache support, are particularly valuable for their lower execution risk and steady cash flows.
Strategic Implications for Boeing
These wins provide a much-needed boost to Boeing’s backlog and revenue visibility heading into 2026. The defense sector offers predictability in an otherwise volatile environment for the company, supporting thousands of jobs across facilities in Missouri, Oklahoma, and elsewhere. The F-15IA deal reinforces Boeing’s role in strengthening key U.S. alliances through advanced military capabilities, while the E-4B contract ensures continuity for national command and control.
As Boeing works through commercial challenges, these defense successes signal resilience and a path toward greater stability.
Disclaimer: This is a news report based on publicly available information. It is not investment advice, financial guidance, or a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities.