Given the growing tension in the Indo-Pacific region, the F-15EX, an advanced American warplane, is integrated into the military scenario.
Development and strength of the F-15EX
With the successful validation of the air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions by the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, the F-15EX is nearing full production. This fourth-generation ship emerged by integrating with fifth-generation aircraft in recent military exercises.
F-15EXThe F-15EX Eagle II, introduced by Boeing, is the latest evolution of the Eagle family. This variant stands out for being multipurpose and adaptable to adverse weather conditions, promising to be one of the most powerful fighters in the airspace.
The legacy of the F-15 Eagle is impressive, with a record of 104 victories and no combat losses. Its development originated during the Vietnam War, led by the firm McDonnell Douglas, which was eventually integrated into Boeing.
Distinctive Features of the F-15EX
The Eagle II differs from its predecessors by incorporating a glass cockpit with a large-area display, digital flight controls, an advanced APG-82 AESA radar and other cutting-edge technologies.
Artist’s rendering of the F-15EX. Image credit: Boeing.Due to the aging of the F-15C/D fleet, the F-15EX emerges as a crucial solution. Its capabilities exceed those of other fighters, carrying up to 30,000 pounds of ammunition. The Eagle II is expected to carry hypersonic missiles under development.
Although it lacks the stealthiness of aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning, its active electronically scanned array radar and powerful F110-GE-129 engines make it a formidable adversary on the aerial battlefield.
Strategic implications in the Indo-Pacific region
The F-15EX Eagle II appeals to nations not directly aligned with the United States. After tensions with China, Indonesia has acquired two dozen of these Boeing fighters, strengthening its defensive posture in a region marked by geopolitics.
With 17,000 islands distributed over vast ocean areas, Indonesia is positioned as a strategic player in the region. Integrating the F-15EX into its air force could deter future Chinese provocations.
Answer: The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II incorporates various upgrades such as the AMBER system to carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, infrared search and track, advanced avionics and electronic warfare equipment, AESA radar, and a revised airframe with a service life of 20,000 hours. Single-seat and two-seat variants with identical capacities were also proposed.
Answer: The USAF opted for the two-seat variant due to its versatility, as it can be operated by a single pilot or by a pilot and a WSO in complex missions and in future collaborative combat aircraft control. Additionally, only the two-seat F-15 models remained in production.
Answer: The USAF acquired the F-15EX to maintain fleet size as production of the F-22 ended, the F-35 was delayed, and its F-15s aged. While the F-15EX is not expected to withstand modern air defenses by 2028, it is effective for defending territory and air bases, enforcing no-fly zones, and deploying long-range weapons.
Answer: In May 2023, it was announced that the 173rd Fighter Wing at Kingsley Field ANGB, Oregon, would become a Formal Training Unit (FTU) for the F-35A in place of the F-15EX. Basic training for the F-15E and F-15EX will move to Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, beginning in 2026.
Answer: In 2020, it was revealed that Air National Guard units in Florida and Oregon would bA replacing their F-15Cs with the F-15EX. Additionally, in April 2023, it was announced that the California and Louisiana Air National Guards would also replace their F-15C/D fleets with the F-15EX.
