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The F-15EX Eagle II, the latest addition to the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal, stands as a formidable testament to modern military aviation.
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Designed as a multirole air superiority fighter, the Eagle II is poised to redefine operational capabilities with its unprecedented payload capacity, agility, and speed.
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In the dynamic sphere of contemporary warfare, the F-15EX Eagle II emerges as a strategic pivot, primarily engineered to address the immediate needs of the U.S. Air Force.
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With an aging fleet of F-22 Raptors and F-15C/Ds, alongside production hurdles plaguing the F-35s, the Eagle II positions itself as a versatile stopgap solution. A whopping 30,000 lbs of munitions can be hoisted by this aerial powerhouse, making it the most heavily-armed aircraft in service.
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This 4.5th generation jet, with its stealth-lacking façade, compensates with dual General Electric F100-PW-229 turbofans, thrusting it to Mach 2.5 velocities. It’s not just speed; the Eagle II displays remarkable range and agility, crucial traits for its designated air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.
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For an air superiority loadout, it can pack twelve missiles, including the heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinder and radar-homing AIM-120 AMRAAM. When the call is to support ground forces, it can be outfitted with a plethora of air-to-ground munitions, ranging from conventional bombs to cruise missiles and smart weapons.
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The decision for the Air Force to acquire approximately 105 F-15EX jets at roughly $94 million each—a steeper initial investment compared to the F-35A—promises long-term economic prudence.
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With a predicted operational lifespan of 20,000 hours against the F-35A’s 8,000, the cost-effectiveness of the F-15EX Eagle II becomes abundantly clear.
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Moreover, the F-15EX Eagle II has been earmarked as the first USAF jet capable of deploying hypersonic missiles, a game-changing factor in contemporary aerial warfare. Lt. Gen Michael A. Loh has lauded the aircraft for its operability and superior load-carrying capability over great distances.
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Recently, a huge foreign military sales package worth over $95 billion aimed at Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan passed, which includes a $17 billion aid earmarked for Israel.
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Speculation abounds on whether Israel, with its already powerful air force, requires additional F-15EX jets.
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Israel, already slated to incorporate 25 F-15EX Eagle II (designated F-15IA in Israeli service) into their formidable fleet, may find its Iron Dome defense system and F-35I stealth jets sufficient for maintaining regional air superiority.
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Yet, the capacity of the Eagle II to carry an extensive payload could bolster Israel’s defensive capabilities against potential threats, such as Iranian missile and drone strikes.
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So, Israel doesn’t have a dire need for the F-15EX Eagle II.
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Indeed, it would be better if a potential order for the aircraft was allocated to meet the demands of the U.S. Air Force, which has ordered dozens of aircraft but only has six delivered.
Relevant articles:
– F-15EX Eagle II: What Makes This Fighter Jet Truly a Game Changer, The National Interest
– Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II: A Game Changer in Modern Warfare, Medriva
– F-15EX Eagle II Fighter: Does Israel Really Need This New ‘Bomb Truck’?, The National Interest