An F-15EX Eagle II assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., conducts aerial refueling operations above Northern California, May 14, 2021. The aircraft participated in exercise Northern Edge 21 in Alaska earlier this May. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
An F-15EX Eagle II assigned to the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., conducts aerial refueling operations above Northern California, May 14, 2021. The aircraft participated in exercise Northern Edge 21 in Alaska earlier this May. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
The F-15EX Eagle II, an evolutionary leap in the U.S. Air Force’s fighter arsenal, has continued to carve its niche as the high-speed, high-altitude dominator in the skies. The newest addition to the Air Force, the F-15EX, has been rigorously tested. The aircraft’s advanced design allows it to carry a substantial payload, including the potential for hypersonic missiles, further cementing its role as a versatile and formidable warrior in modern aerial combat.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle takes off from Aviano Air Base, Italy, for an air strike mission in support of NATO Operation Allied Force on March 28, 1999. Operation Allied Force is the air operation against targets in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. DoD photo by Senior Airman Mitch Fuqua, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
This new generation of the iconic F-15, based on the F-15QA, fulfills the urgent need to replace the aging F-15C/D models. With a notable emphasis on high-speed, long-range, and a staggering payload increased 29,500 pounds, the F-15EX stands out as an air-to-air and air-to-ground behemoth.
An F-15EX Eagle II from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flies in formation during an aerial refueling operation above the skies of Northern California, May 14. The Eagle II participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
The aircraft’s impressive arsenal boasts a combination of up to 12 AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or a mix of up to 24 air-to-ground munitions, augmented by one internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon. With its advanced APG-82 AESA radar, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and EPAWSS self-defensive suite, the fighter jet claims the title for the longest stand-off air-to-air engagement range of any fighter in the Air Force’s inventory.
The Department of the Air Force awarded a nearly $1.2 billion contract for its first lot of eight F-15EX fighter aircraft, July 13, 2020. The contract, awarded to Boeing, provides for the design, development, integration, manufacturing, test, verification, certification, delivery, sustainment, and modification of F-15EX aircraft, including spares, support equipment, training materials, technical data, and technical support. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)
The F-15EX’s groundbreaking digital fly-by-wire flight controls and glass-cockpit with touchscreen interface signify a technological leap. The Open Mission System (OMS) software framework sets a foundation for swift upgrades and capability enhancements, ensuring the jet remains at the cutting edge of combat effectiveness.
Master Sgt. Tristan McIntire, 40th Flight Test Squadron, marshals the F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, to a stop at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. March 11, 2021. The F-15EX will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
On July 13, 2020, the USAF awarded Boeing a $1.2 billion contract for the first eight F-15EX jets, marking a significant investment in the future of air combat capabilities. The initial delivery took place on March 11, 2021, at Eglin AFB.
The F-15EX’s maiden operational test sortie from Nellis took flight in October 2021, and a live missile was successfully fired for the first time on January 25, 2022. The jet launched a pair of AIM-120s over the Eglin range, a testament to its readiness to join the front lines.
The F-15EX, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/Ilka Cole)
As the Air Force plans to acquire a total of 104 F-15EX aircraft instead of the originally intended 144, the strategic implications of this decision are under scrutiny.
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A U.S. Air Force F-15E Eagle flies above snow covered mountains during a routine patrol over Northern Iraq on Feb. 18, 1999, in support of Operation Northern Watch. Northern Watch is the coalition enforcement of the no-fly-zone over Northern Iraq. The Eagle is deployed from the 494th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. DoD photo by Capt. Patricia Lang, U.S. Air Force. (Released)
Moreover, the F-15EX has sparked interest beyond the U.S., with Israel preparing to send a formal request for 25 of the fighters, underscoring its international appeal.
Despite its high cost of approximately $93.5 million per unit, the F-15EX’s contributions to the U.S. air dominance cannot be overstated. Its prowess in range, armament capacity, and modernized avionics ensures it remains a vital addition to America’s air defense strategy.
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A US Air Force (USAF) F-15D Eagle aircraft assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron (FS) performs a 90-degree right wing over maneuver during a simulated air-air combat exercise conducted in support of Exercise NORTHERN EDGE 2002. The aircraft is armed with two AIM-120 Advance Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), one AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles and one SN/1387 Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP).An F-15E Strike Eagle from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, prepares to land at Andersen AFB, Guam, on Wednesday, June 14. The Strike Eagles are here through September as part of an air expeditionary deployment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman First Class Michael S. Dorus)OVER IRAQ — An F-15E Strike Eagle flies off in the early evening light after receiving fuel from a 908th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-10 Extender during a recent mission here in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Erik Gudmundson)
