The US Air National Guard has also added the F-35 Lightning II to its arsenal, complementing its capabilities with this fifth-generation fighter.
The F-15EX Eagle II receives significant support in the US, posing a direct challenge to the supremacy of the F-35, highlighting its performance, integration capability and strategic potential compared to the stealth fighter.
The F-15EX Eagle II: An Outstanding Fighter in the US arsenal
The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II has received notable praise from Lieutenant General Michael A. Loh, leader of the US National Guard, for its extended capabilities in range and weaponry, as well as its efficient integration with existing operational protocols; this fighter stands out for its exceptional performance. The platform has proven to be competitive, even against the advanced F-35A, excelling in integrated operational and development tests from conception to implementation.
At the US Air Force Association Warfare Symposium, Loh highlighted the F-15EX ‘s potential to strengthen the military’s combat capabilities. He underlined the fighter’s superiority over previous models and its advantage in implementing rapid upgrades without affecting the Operational Flight Program. Flexibility and the ability to carry advanced long-range weaponry such as JASSM-ER and long-range missiles were highlights.
The US Air National Guard has also added the F-35 Lightning II to its arsenal
, complementing its capabilities with this fifth-generation fighter. However, the preference to increase the number of F-15EX in the inventory responds to a strategy aimed at improving and replacing the existing F-15 with a more advanced and cost-effective version despite the stealth capabilities of the F-35.
The F-15EX: An advanced platform for air superiority
Recent missile tests have shown that the F-15EX is poised to surpass fighters such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 and F-22 Raptor in air-to-air missile carrying capacity. With a projected service life of 20,000 hours, three times longer than the F-35, the F-15EX offers a durable and effective solution to US air combat needs.
The controversy surrounding the selection of the F-35 over the F-15EX centers on the production and delivery difficulties of the former versus the operational efficiency and initially lower cost of the latter.
However, the increase in the cost of the F-15EX, now surpassing the F-35, has generated surprise and criticism within defense circles, calling into question the Air Guard’s budgetary and strategic decisions.
The cost comparison between the F-15EX and the F-35A reveals a complex scenario in which the cost of the F-15EX has increased significantly, challenging the perception of being a cheaper alternative to the F-35.
Despite Boeing’s efforts to manage and reduce costs, the evolution of the price of the F-15EX suggests a progressive increase, highlighting the difficulties in budget management of high-tech defense programs.
Critical comparison and future of the F-15EX versus the F-35
The discussion around the F-15EX and the F-35A transcends cost analysis, delving into functionality and military strategy. Although different in design and purpose, the current debate focuses on the operational efficiency, weapons-carrying capacity and autonomy of the F-15EX versus the stealth capabilities of the F-35A. This comparison highlights the importance of diversified strategic planning considering combat visibility and logistical and economic effectiveness.
The choice between the F-15EX and the F-35 reflects a strategic dilemma for the US Air National Guard and the Air Force as a whole. While the F-35 represents the cutting edge of stealth technology and advanced systems integration, the F-15EX offers a pragmatic solution with proven robustness and versatility. The final decision will need to balance these considerations with budget constraints and the specific operational needs of the US military.
In conclusion, the expansion of the F-15EX into the Air National Guard inventory and the continued evaluation of its role versus the F-35 reflect the complexities inherent in modern air defense planning.
Adaptability, combat survivability, and economic efficiency are critical factors that will influence future fighter acquisition and development decisions to ensure U.S. air superiority.
