U.S. Air Force’s first 16 F-15EX Eagle II fighters reach 72.4% availability, above threshold but below 80% target

The first 16 U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II aircraft averaged 72.4% materiel availability in fiscal 2026 data reported through February 24. That performance exceeded the programme’s 60% minimum threshold but remained below its 80% objective, and the Air Force reported no formal performance deviation. The figure provides an early sustainment indicator for a small, newly delivered fleet rather than a mature long-term trend. F-15EX is replacing ageing F-15C/D aircraft with updated avionics and greater weapons capacity, while deliveries and the planned fleet continue to expand.