The F-15 Eagle, a predominant figure in air superiority since its first flight in 1972, is now encountering a crossroads in its extensive and illustrious service history.

In the past four decades, out of the United States Air Force’s 37 victories, the F-15 has accounted for 34 of them.

These aircraft, renowned for their electronic countermeasures, speed, and agility, are exceptionally resilient—even in the presence of more advanced fifth-generation fighter jets currently in operation.

Despite its legendary status, the Eagle is now facing retirement with the arrival of more advanced fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22.

The F-15EX Eagle II, dubbed a “fourth-generation plus” aircraft, represents an attempt to blend new technology with the time-tested frame of the F-15.

A poignant question lingers: Where do the Eagles go when they retire? Some of these distinguished aircraft find new life beyond the U.S. borders.

Eight Kingsley F-15s were directly transferred to the Israeli Air Force, a first-ever active ramp-to-ramp transfer of such aircraft.

Others, such as the aircraft transferred to NASA, continue to contribute to aerospace advancement in the chase plane program.

A more nostalgic fate awaits the F-15s that become museum pieces, loaned to communities for public display, thus immortalizing their legacy.

Amidst the send-off to museums and allied nations, many F-15s will retire to the Arizona desert, at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group.

This locale, acts as a preservation site, possibly poised for reactivation if ever the need arises.

The Air Force’s decision to cut the F-15E fleet by more than half to focus on modernization embodies the broader shift in military priorities.

In addition to acquiring F-15Es, the Air Force intends to procure 104 F-15EX Eagle IIs, the latest iteration of the respected multirole fourth-generation fighter.

The F-15EX is outfitted with EPAWSS.

By fiscal year 2024, the Air Force aims to purchase 72 new fighters, comprising 24 F-15EXs and 48 F-35 Lightning IIs.

Relevant articles:
– The Age of the F-15 Fighter Is Now Completely Over, The National Interest
– 15C fleet prepares to stand down after 50 years of vigilance > Air National Guard > Article Display, Air National Guard (ANG) (.mil)
– Air Force Wants to Cut F-15E Fleet in Half to Focus on Modernizing, Brown Says, Air & Space Forces Magazine
– Is It True That the F-15 Eagle Will Be Retired?, Interesting Engineering