F-15EX is the most advanced Eagle variant based on the two-seat F-15QA as a replacement for the legacy F-15C/D. The Eagle II is the first USAF F-15 to boast digital fly-by-wire flight controls, LAD glass-cockpit with touch-screen interface, and incorporate APG-82 AESA radar, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and EPAWSS self-defensive suite from the outset. The aircraft pioneers Open Mission System (OMS) software to enable rapid upgrades and capability enhancement, as well as the latest Suite 9.1 software in common with upgraded legacy aircraft.
F-15EX promises higher speed, longer range, increased 29,500-lb payload (including two additional weapon stations), and lower operating costs than previous variants. The type also boasts the longest stand-off air-to-air engagement range of any fighter in the USAF inventory.
Due to insufficient F-22 procurement, the F-15C/D fleet has continued flying beyond its designed service life, posing a serious risk of structural failure. USAF awarded Boeing a $1.2 billion contract for the first eight jets in July 2020 and approved the jet for full-rate production in June 2024, accelerating funds to speed phase-out of the F-15C/D, with FY26 funding 22 conformal fuel tankequipped jets. The first of six test aircraft was delivered to Eglin on March 11, 2021, completing combined developmental and operational testing in August 2023. F-15EX proved operationally effective in air superiority and offensive and defensive counter-air including against simulated fifth-generation threats. F-15EX was also deemed effective in a limited air-to-ground role, but test limitations inhibited full evaluation of EW capabilities.
Early aircraft are undergoing retrofit to current production standards including jam-resistant MIDS/JTRS Link 16, Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) BLOS, NATO-interoperable LOS SATURN, advanced GPS, and Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS). FY26 launches initial Hybrid SATCOM development and long-range offensive counter-air weapons integration. The service planned to purchase 144 aircraft before reducing to 104 and again to 98 (plus two developmental aircraft).
F-15EX achieved IOC a year later than initially planned following delivery of the second operational jet to the ANG at Portland on July 5, 2024. Aircraft similarities permit existing F-15 units to transition to the F-15EX in a matter of months and USAF plans to field the 44 jets to reach full operational capability (FOC) by 2027. F-15EX is in Follow-On Operational Testing and Evaluation (FOT&E) against more capable fifth-generation threats in complex scenarios in addition to cyber security evaluation. F-15EX will replace legacy F-15s at Fresno and New Orleans, and Selfridge and Barnes will transition to either F-15EX or F-35 pending environmental reviews. Kadena planned to receive F-15EX in early 2026, though strikes at Boeing are delaying deliveries. In its 2027 budget request, the Air Force more than doubled its total planned purchase of F-15EXs from 129 to 267 aircraft.
F-15EX Eagle II Technical Data
Contractors: Boeing; BAE Systems (EPAWSS); Raytheon (AESA).
First Flight: Feb. 2, 2021.
Delivered: Mar. 11, 2021-present.
IOC: July 2024.
Production: 100 (planned).
Inventory: 13.
Operator: ACC, AFMC, ANG.
Aircraft Location: Eglin AFB, Fla.; Portland Arpt., Ore. Planned: Fresno ANGB, Calif.; Kadena AB, Japan; Klamath Falls (Kingsley Field), Ore.; NAS JRB New Orleans, La.; and Selfridge ANGB, Mich.
Active Variant: •F-15EX. Future F-15C/D replacement based on the F-15QA developed for Qatar.
Dimensions: Span 42.8 ft, length 63.8 ft, height 18.5 ft.
Weight: Max T-O 81,000 lb.
Power Plant: Two General Electric F100-PW-229 turbofans with afterburners, each 29,000 lb thrust.
Performance: Speed Mach 2.5, range approx. 2,762 miles (air refuelable).
Ceiling: 60,000 ft.
Armament: One internally mounted M61A1 20 mm six-barrel cannon (500 rd); combination of up to 12 AIM-9 Sidewinders or AIM-120 AMRAAMs, or combination of up to 24 air-to-ground munitions including SDB I, GBU-38 JDAM, and JASSM.
Accommodation: Pilot and (optional) second aircrew member on ACES 5 zero/zero ejection seats.