| Role | Fighter aircraft, air to air missile defense |
| Targets | Aircrafts, Cruise Missiles, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle |
| Operators | United State Air Force |
| Range | ~1,200 nm |
| Sensors | APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar |
| Status | Undergoing developmental and operational testing, expected delivery date in 2023 |
| Producer | Boeing, with Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S) to supply the APG-82(V)1 AESA radar |
Overview
The F-15EX is equipped with three complimentary weapons systems that work together to maximize the F-15 EX’s effectiveness. It has a carrying capacity of 22 air-to-air missiles which includes: shorter-range air-to-air AIM-9X Sidewinder that uses infrared to engage with a target; up to 12 AMRAAM missiles which give the EX the ability to detect, target, and engage enemy aircraft at greater distances; and, the Stormbreaker smart weapon that can strike a target at up to 45 miles away regardless of adverse weather conditions. Included in this as a proven capability to defeat drone and missile threats. Additionally, in strike role, the “Eagle II” carries the full inventory of current air to ground weapons, and has the capability to carry future hypersonic weapons. Nicknamed “Eagle II”, the F-15 EX has the capability to carry hypersonic weapons and proven capability to defeat drone and missile threats [i].
Current Developments
The United States Air Force placed an order for the first eight F-15EXs as of July 2020, with delivery set for 2023. They will be flown at Eglin Air Force Base to undergo operational testing. Upon completion of all necessary testing, the first fleet will be sent to Kingsley Field and Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon[ii].
Strategic Implications
The F-15EX will phase out the aging F-15 C/D models currently used in multiple Air National Guard units, with some united approaching 40 years in service. The multiple weapon systems used on the F-15EX will enhance the current F-15 mission used in homeland defense.
Timeline
- February 2019: Gen David Goldfein signs F-15EX Rapid Fielding Requirement Document to address the aging F-15 fleet [iii].
- July 2020: United States Air Force Awards Boeing $1.2 billon to build the first fleet of eight F-15EX [iv].
- February 2021: F-15EX completed its first initial flight in St. Louis[v].
- March 2021: Air Force officially accepts and receives first F-15EX [vi]
References
[i] Global and Mobile – Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
[ii] Air Force receives first F-15EX > US Air Force > Article Display
[iii] Air Force receives first F-15EX > US Air Force > Article Display
[v] F-15EX completes first flight > US Air Force > Article Display[vi] Air Force receives first F-15EX > US Air Force > Article Display
