The U.S. Air Force has announced plans to nearly triple its F-15EX Eagle II fleet, increasing the total from 98 to 268 aircraft…
The expansion calls for the procurement of 170 additional aircraft, extending production through 2031 and increasing the programme’s estimated acquisition cost to $36.93 billion.
24 F-15EX aircraft are planned to be procured in 2027, 24 in 2028, 28 in 2029, 36 in 2030 and 36 in 2031.
The expanded F-15EX fleet will replace F-15C/D fighters experiencing structural deterioration and system obsolescence.
In addition, a comprehensive modernization programme will be implemented for Lots 9-12, incorporating a new radar, mission computer, electronic warfare suite and engines.
The operating and sustainment cost of the expanded fleet through 2070 is provisionally estimated at $140.67 billion.
The F-15EX Eagle II was developed based on the F-15QA and features U.S. Air Force-specific electronic warfare systems and mission software…