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F-15EX Eagle II

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7 articles indexed · 7 in archive

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.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 14

North AmericaAir

U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Jet Drops First Live Bomb as New Strike Role Expands

An operational F-15EX from the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing released its first live bomb on August 27 during a three-week deployment to Nellis Air Force Base. Imagery from the event shows a 500-pound BLU-111-series general-purpose bomb and a Sniper targeting pod, marking a step in validating the Eagle II’s conventional strike role. The sortie followed earlier May tests at Mountain Home using inert 500-pound and 2,000-pound practice weapons. The activity expands air-to-ground training for a platform previously focused on air-superiority integration as the wing builds operational capability.

Army RecognitionSep 13

North AmericaAir

U.S. Air Force plans new radar, mission computer, electronic warfare suite and engines for future F-15EX Eagle II production lots

The US Air Force plans a substantial redesign of F-15EX production Lots 9 through 12 as its intended fleet grows from 98 to 268 aircraft. Planned changes include a new radar, mission computer, engines, and a second-generation Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System to address obsolescence and future requirements. Current planning targets initial fielding in January 2031, followed by operational flight-program integration and testing through fiscal 2035. Research and development is estimated at $1.57 billion in constant fiscal 2020 dollars, or about $1.93 billion in then-year funding, while specific component suppliers remain unannounced.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 12

North AmericaAir

USAF Forecasts Big Dollar Demand In Next Decade for F-15EXs

The U.S. Air Force's projected share of the new F-15 Eagle Crest contract vehicle rose to about $39.28 billion as plans expanded to 267 F-15EX fighters, more than double the earlier programme of record. A further $91.95 billion ceiling is associated with anticipated foreign military sales, producing the widely reported combined $131.23 billion maximum for F-15 production, modernization, integration and sustainment into the late 2030s. The structure gives Boeing and the government capacity for future orders across domestic and international fleets. These are ceiling estimates rather than obligated spending, and the Air Force has not completed a full cost rebaseline for the larger acquisition profile.

Defense DailySep 11

North AmericaAir

In first, Oregon Guard F-15EXs drop live bombs

The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing released live weapons from operational F-15EX Eagle II fighters for the first time during a three-week deployment to Nellis Air Force Base. Photographs from August 27 show aircraft carrying 500-pound Mk-82 bombs on the centreline station and AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pods, although the Air Force did not disclose the number dropped. The event followed May training at Mountain Home in which the unit released 24 BDU-50 and 12 BDU-56 inert practice bombs across ten missions. The milestone advances the former F-15C air-superiority unit toward an air-to-ground role as it converts to the F-15EX.

militarytimes.comSep 11

North AmericaAir

U.S. Air Force projects F-15EX Eagle II full operational capability in early 2028 following Boeing production delays

The US Air Force now projects full operational capability for the F-15EX Eagle II in early 2028, at least six months beyond its July 2027 threshold. A 15-week Boeing labour strike in 2025 contributed to production delays, with delivery of aircraft F-15EX-44 identified as a key step toward the revised milestone. As of April 2026, 18 aircraft had been delivered against 33 contracted, while later lots extend deliveries into 2028. The programme's technical and cost performance remains broadly acceptable, but schedule recovery depends on stable production and timely completion of aircraft, training and unit-equipment requirements.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 7

North AmericaAir

U.S. Department of War says Air Force plans to nearly triple F-15EX Eagle II fleet to 268 aircraft under $36.9 billion programme

The U.S. Air Force's fiscal 2027 budget plan would expand the F-15EX Eagle II programme from 98 to 268 aircraft, comprising 266 production fighters and two development jets. The revised acquisition estimate is $36.93 billion, with purchases continuing through fiscal 2031 at 24 aircraft in 2027, 24 in 2028, 28 in 2029 and 36 annually in 2030 and 2031. Boeing had delivered 18 aircraft against a requirement for 33 as of April 14, 2026, delaying full operational capability into 2028. Later lots will require redesigned radar, mission-computer, electronic-warfare and engine installations.

Defence Industry EuropeSep 6

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F-15EX Eagle II

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