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Boeing Clinches a $450M Contract to Support the F-15 JSI Program
BABoeing(BA) ZACKS·2024-12-12 16:40

Boeing's Contract and Strategic Position - Boeing secured a 450millioncontracttoproducecommandandcontrolcapabilitiesfortheF−15JapanSuperInterceptorProgram,withcompletionexpectedbyFebruary2030[1][2]−Thecontractincludestheacquisitionofradars,self−protectionsystems,andmissioncomputerunitsfortheF−15JSIprogram[2]−Boeing′sF−15isfavoredinJapanduetoitsexceptionalspeed,range,andpayloadcapacity,makingitanoptimalsolutionforaddressinggrowingIndo−Pacificthreatssuchashypersonicmissilesandadvancedearlywarningsystems[3]−Boeinghasa70−yearpartnershipwithJapan,enhancingthecountry′saerialsecurityandsolidifyingitsroleintheregion′sdefensemodernization[4]Japan′sDefenseSpendingandBoeing′sRole−Japan′sMinistryofDefenserequesteda450 million contract to produce command and control capabilities for the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor Program, with completion expected by February 2030 [1][2] - The contract includes the acquisition of radars, self-protection systems, and mission computer units for the F-15 JSI program [2] - Boeing's F-15 is favored in Japan due to its exceptional speed, range, and payload capacity, making it an optimal solution for addressing growing Indo-Pacific threats such as hypersonic missiles and advanced early warning systems [3] - Boeing has a 70-year partnership with Japan, enhancing the country's aerial security and solidifying its role in the region's defense modernization [4] Japan's Defense Spending and Boeing's Role - Japan's Ministry of Defense requested a 59.76 billion budget for fiscal 2025, a 7.5% increase from the current year, positioning Japan as the world's third-largest defense spender by 2027 [5] - Boeing benefits from Japan's robust defense investment strategy, as the Japanese Self-Defense Forces operate the largest fleets of Boeing F-15 fighters and CH-47 Chinook helicopters outside the United States [6] - Japan was the first international customer for Boeing's KC-46A Pegasus tanker in 2015, further highlighting Boeing's integral role in Japan's defense modernization [6] Other Defense Companies Benefiting from Japan's Defense Expansion - RTX Corp's APG-82(V)1 AESA radar is integrated into the F-15 JSI program, and its Pratt & Whitney division manufactures the F-100 engine [8] - RTX's Raytheon began full-rate production of Standard Missile-3 Block IIA in 2024, marking the first Missile Defense Agency cooperative development program with Japan [8] - BAE Systems' AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Warning Survivability Systems are being installed in Japan's F-15 super interceptor jets, and the company was selected to upgrade the jets' fly-by-wire flight control computers [9] - Lockheed Martin delivers advanced technologies to bolster Japan's defense capabilities, including over 550 military helicopters and the Aegis Combat System for Japan's Kongo and Atago-class ships [10] Boeing's Stock Performance - Boeing's shares gained 6% in the past three months, outperforming the industry's 9.7% decline [12] - Boeing currently carries a Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell) [13]