Breaking News: U.S. to invest €3.1 bn to continue production of Boeing F-15EX fighter jets to boost Air Force capability
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According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on June 26, 2025, senior U.S. military and defense leaders presented the national defense budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026), valued at $1.01 trillion, during a detailed briefing at the Pentagon. A key highlight of the proposed budget is a substantial allocation of $3.1 billion for the continued procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II multirole fighter aircraft, supporting the acquisition of 21 additional airframes.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
An F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet assigned to the 142nd Wing taxis on the runway ahead of takeoff during its official unveiling ceremony at Portland U.S. Air National Guard Base, Oregon, on July 12, 2024. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The FY2026 (Fiscal Year 2026) defense funding underscores the Pentagon’s sustained commitment to modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet. By continuing investment in the F-15EX program, the Department of Defense aims to reinforce the industrial base and maintain production continuity at Boeing’s facilities, while advancing the operational capability of the U.S. Air Force. The F-15EX, a heavily upgraded variant of the legacy F-15 platform, is designed to complement stealth platforms like the F-35 by offering unmatched payload capacity, high survivability, and extended range, making it particularly suited for both homeland defense and contested environments.
The F-15EX Eagle II is developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security at its St. Louis, Missouri production facility. It was officially introduced as part of a contract awarded in July 2020, with the initial deal covering eight aircraft and a ceiling value of approximately $23 billion for up to 144 aircraft. The U.S. Air Force has since refined its procurement plans to a total of 104 aircraft, replacing the aging fleet of F-15C/D models and ensuring continued air superiority.
Launched in 2020, the F-15EX program leverages the proven F-15 airframe while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies. These include the AN/APG-82 AESA radar, the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a digital cockpit with multifunctional large-area displays, fly-by-wire flight controls, and open mission systems architecture that supports future weapon and sensor integration. The aircraft’s configuration is optimized for adaptability and longevity in complex threat environments.
Technically, the F-15EX offers unmatched payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a broad array of precision-guided munitions including hypersonic weapons like the AGM-183A ARRW. Its twin F110-GE-129 engines provide exceptional thrust and operational range, enabling deep-strike and extended air patrol missions. The platform is also equipped for secure communications and network-centric warfare, acting as a critical node in multi-domain operations.
As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered nine F-15EX aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. The initial eight from production Lots 1A and 1B were assigned to developmental testing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and to operational units like the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland. The ninth aircraft, the first of Lot 2, was also delivered to Portland, with more expected in line with the FY2026 production order.
For the United States Armed Forces, completing the planned fleet of 104 F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft will deliver a robust, high-performance air superiority platform capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare. Its operational versatility, cost-effective sustainment, and integration of advanced systems make it an essential component of U.S. air combat strategy, bridging the gap between legacy fighters and future sixth-generation capabilities.
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According to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense on June 26, 2025, senior U.S. military and defense leaders presented the national defense budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 2026), valued at $1.01 trillion, during a detailed briefing at the Pentagon. A key highlight of the proposed budget is a substantial allocation of $3.1 billion for the continued procurement of the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II multirole fighter aircraft, supporting the acquisition of 21 additional airframes.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
An F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet assigned to the 142nd Wing taxis on the runway ahead of takeoff during its official unveiling ceremony at Portland U.S. Air National Guard Base, Oregon, on July 12, 2024. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)
The FY2026 (Fiscal Year 2026) defense funding underscores the Pentagon’s sustained commitment to modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet. By continuing investment in the F-15EX program, the Department of Defense aims to reinforce the industrial base and maintain production continuity at Boeing’s facilities, while advancing the operational capability of the U.S. Air Force. The F-15EX, a heavily upgraded variant of the legacy F-15 platform, is designed to complement stealth platforms like the F-35 by offering unmatched payload capacity, high survivability, and extended range, making it particularly suited for both homeland defense and contested environments.
The F-15EX Eagle II is developed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security at its St. Louis, Missouri production facility. It was officially introduced as part of a contract awarded in July 2020, with the initial deal covering eight aircraft and a ceiling value of approximately $23 billion for up to 144 aircraft. The U.S. Air Force has since refined its procurement plans to a total of 104 aircraft, replacing the aging fleet of F-15C/D models and ensuring continued air superiority.
Launched in 2020, the F-15EX program leverages the proven F-15 airframe while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies. These include the AN/APG-82 AESA radar, the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a digital cockpit with multifunctional large-area displays, fly-by-wire flight controls, and open mission systems architecture that supports future weapon and sensor integration. The aircraft’s configuration is optimized for adaptability and longevity in complex threat environments.
Technically, the F-15EX offers unmatched payload capacity, capable of carrying up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a broad array of precision-guided munitions including hypersonic weapons like the AGM-183A ARRW. Its twin F110-GE-129 engines provide exceptional thrust and operational range, enabling deep-strike and extended air patrol missions. The platform is also equipped for secure communications and network-centric warfare, acting as a critical node in multi-domain operations.
As of mid-2025, Boeing has delivered nine F-15EX aircraft to the U.S. Air Force. The initial eight from production Lots 1A and 1B were assigned to developmental testing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and to operational units like the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard in Portland. The ninth aircraft, the first of Lot 2, was also delivered to Portland, with more expected in line with the FY2026 production order.
For the United States Armed Forces, completing the planned fleet of 104 F-15EX Eagle II fighter aircraft will deliver a robust, high-performance air superiority platform capable of meeting the evolving demands of modern warfare. Its operational versatility, cost-effective sustainment, and integration of advanced systems make it an essential component of U.S. air combat strategy, bridging the gap between legacy fighters and future sixth-generation capabilities.
