The F-15EX bursts onto the aeronautical scene as an advanced “4th generation-plus” aircraft, complementing the stealthy 5th generation F-35s on key missions. Despite being a 4th generation airframe, it has undergone numerous improvements since the 1980s.
Acquisition of the F-15EX
The US Air Force is acquiring several F-15EXs, although the exact number and size of the intended fleet are still unclear. Development of the F-15EX was driven in part by the need to reduce costs relative to 5th and 6th-generation aircraft.
The F-15EX acquisition program has generated some debate due to the budgetary and strategic implications of investing in 4th generation aircraft instead of focusing on more advanced aircraft.
The primary goal of the F-15EX acquisition is to complement the 5th generation stealth fighters in missions that do not necessarily require the stealth capabilities and cutting-edge technologies offered by these aircraft.
Technological Improvements of The F-15EX
The F-15EX incorporates new technologies such as electronic warfare systems, AESA radar, high-speed computer processing, and the ability to fire state-of-the-art weapons. It is designed for high-risk missions that do not require 5th or 6th-generation aircraft.
These enhancements make the F-15EX much more effective than any other 4th generation aircraft and position it as a versatile and powerful platform for dealing with different types of threats on the battlefield.
Despite the improvements built into the F-15EX, some experts argue that a lack of stealth could limit its effectiveness in combat environments dominated by adversaries with 5th-generation capabilities.
Debate on Poaching
Some question the viability of the non-stealthy F-15EX against soon-to-be 5th-generation stealthy fighter adversaries. The threat posed by Russia and China could require the United States and its allies to deploy more networked F-35 fighters and new 6th-generation aircraft.
The F-15EX’s lack of stealth could be a risk factor in combat environments where state-of-the-art Russian and Chinese air defenses could jeopardize its survival.
On the other hand, some experts argue that the F-15EX’s combination of capabilities and technological enhancements could make up for its lack of stealth, allowing it to successfully engage 4th-gen adversaries and even challenge 5th-gen fighters in certain areas. Circumstances.
Hypersonic and support capabilities
The F-15EX can fire hypersonic weapons, reach Mach 2.5, and operate on one of the fastest computer processors ever installed in a combat aircraft. These features make it a powerful and versatile attack platform.
While it is not yet clear to what extent the F-15EX could rival the Chinese J-20 or Russian Su-57, it appears to be well-positioned to take on Russian and Chinese 4th generation fighters, of which there are numerous.
The F-15 has recently set records in terms of the amount of tonnage it can carry in combat, which could make it a “weapons truck” to support 5th-generation aircraft on the front lines.
Conclusion
The F-15EX is billed as a “4th generation-plus” aircraft that complements 5th generation stealth fighters in key missions.
Despite concerns about its lack of stealth and debate about the feasibility of investing in 4th-generation aircraft, the F-15EX offers advanced technological capabilities and enhanced performance that could allow it to play a significant role on the battlefield alongside its more modern and stealthy counterparts.
