The F-15 Eagle, a mainstay of US air superiority since its introduction in 1976, has not only proved its mettle in combat with a staggering record of over 100 aerial victories and zero losses but also continues to evolve with staggering advancements.
Today, nations with sizable F-15 fleets include the United States, Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Israel, all benefiting from the aircraft’s formidable capabilities.
The F-15’s unmatched speed of Mach 2.5, advanced radar, avionics systems, and an operational range of approximately 3,900 km make it a significant asset in aerial warfare.
Its armaments include AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AMRAAM, and an M61 20mm automatic cannon, among other advanced missiles, showcasing its versatility for multiple mission types.
The recent conflicts exemplify the F-15E’s crucial role, notably in the Middle East where it acted decisively against Iran’s drone and missile threats.
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)
Its updated variant, the F-15EX Eagle II, promises even more power with a maximum speed of Mach 2.9 and a munitions capacity nearly eight times that of the B-17 Flying Fortress bomber.
The United States plans to purchase 104 F-15EX aircraft, preparing it for certification with the new Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), marking it as the first USAF jet equipped for hypersonic missiles. With the ability to carry an array of munitions, the F-15EX stands as a modern-day juggernaut in aerial combat and ground attack missions.
Boeing’s recent license to offer the F-15EX to India signals the jet’s continued global relevance as countries seek to modernize their air forces.
Over the past 15 years, India’s defense ties with the US have grown considerably, with over $20 billion in arms procurement.
The F-15EX was added to the Air Force’s budget in 2018 when then-Defense Secretary James Mattis, acting on the advice of Pentagon analysts, decided that a modernized fourth-generation Eagle could provide a needed capacity boost and give the Pentagon competitive leverage with Lockheed Martin, maker of the F-35A, USAF’s preferred, fifth-generation fighter.
The F-15EX is designed to be upgradeable, harnessing cutting-edge technologies and serving as a testbed for future advancements.
It introduces the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) to enhance its electronic warfare capabilities.
Its $80 million flyaway cost is comparable to the F-35A, with lower operating costs per hour, making it an economically attractive option for the US Air Force.
The Air Force plans to put the first operational F-15EXs at Kingsley Field, Ore., where it conducts F-15 training.
Will Roper, USAF acquisition chief, said the F-15EX is “designed to evolve from Day One,” and will be able to keep up with rapidly changing communications and data-sharing systems the service is creating.
Relevant articles:
– Revealed: Countries with the most F, CEOWORLD magazine
– This Country Flies By Far the Most F-15 Eagle Fighter Jets, 24/7 Wall St.
– 15 is the most badass U.S. fighter jet ever, Airborne ECS
– Joining Up on the F-15EX, Air & Space Forces Magazine