Paris—Although the Air Force has cut back its F-15 inventory, there is “rising” potential for adding capabilities to “some number” of its remaining F-15s, said Chris Raymond, vice president for business development and strategy in Boeing’s defense unit. Because of the near-term need for F-15s to operate as air superiority assets alongside F-22s and F-35s, F-15 modifications may “continue for a while,” Raymond told reporters here on June 14, the eve of the Paris Air Show. Possible future upgrades he cited are communications improvements to better fuse data with F-22s and F-35s and the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System to keep the F-15 force potent in future combat scenarios. Jeff Kohler, head of international marketing and business development in Boeing’s defense unit, said there are more than 450 F-15s operated by allies, such as Japan, and those countries are beginning to ask about upgrades. “They plan on keeping them for a long time,” he said. There are opportunities to put together a “robust” international upgrade program to reduce costs for the Air Force and foreign customers, he said.
Competitors Not Picked for CCA Look Forward to Increment 2
April 25, 2024
While none of the major aircraft contractors were selected to develop the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, all three say they are seeking further autonomous aircraft work for the Navy, foreign partners, or in the classified arena, and maybe future versions of the CCA itself.