Israeli mods transformed basic US-supplied F15Es into the Ra'am fighter jets capable of carrying out air raids over Syria with total impunity

Several modifications had been carried out in the Ra'am, in order to meet Heyl Ha'avir's unique needs and specifications... the plane... is equipped with unique systems manufactured by Israel's defence industries, including an EW suite designed and built by Elisra specifically for the F-15I. Due to the modifications made in it, the Ra'am is regarded as being the most advanced of the F-15 models.... The Ra'am's advanced systems include an APG-70 radar with terrain mapping capability. The sharp picture that the APG-70 provides, regardless of weather conditions and light, makes it possible to locate targets that are otherwise very hard to find - i.e. missile batteries, tanks and structures - even under such adverse conditions as complete fog cover, heavy rain or moonless nights

Post Operation Orchard, very few people are disputing that it would be the height of stupidity for Assad to engage the IDF while raining down nonconventional weapons on Israeli civilians. The problem is that, unfortunately, Assad may be very stupid. Which is both very depressing and very predictable. But so it goes.

And in the meantime, this thing really is just incredibly awesome:

(via Danger Room)

References:
* Spectacular IDF Actions Aimed At Restoring Israel's Deterrent [MR]
* F-15I [Israeli-Weapons.com]
* STRATFOR: Syria Massing Troops On The Golan, Israeli Skittishness May Mean War (Plus: Iran's "Final Response" To Israel On October 12) [MR]

Previously:
* Thursday Military Tech - The IDF's Tavor Assault Rifle
* Thursday Military Tech - Self-Healing Invisibility Shields
* Thursday Military Tech - Zionist Robo-Snipers