The U.S. Department of Defense is set to propose a substantial €3.1 billion investment in its Fiscal Year 2026 defense budget, earmarked for the continued production of Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. This significant allocation aims to procure an additional 21 airframes, bolstering Boeing’s industrial base and critically modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet.
The F-15EX Eagle II represents a highly advanced variant of the venerable F-15, strategically designed to complement the stealth capabilities of platforms like the F-35 Lightning II. Its unparalleled payload capacity, exceptional survivability, and extended range make it a vital asset in the Air Force’s diverse combat portfolio. Manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security in St. Louis, Missouri, the F-15EX was first introduced in July 2020 and is intended to directly replace the USAF’s aging F-15C/D models, with a total procurement plan of 104 aircraft.
This formidable fighter incorporates state-of-the-art technologies that enhance its combat effectiveness. Key features include the advanced AN/APG-82 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the sophisticated Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a fully digital cockpit, and cutting-edge fly-by-wire controls. Its open mission systems architecture ensures adaptability to future upgrades and integration of new capabilities. Powering the F-15EX are twin F110-GE-129 engines, enabling its impressive performance.
In terms of armament, the F-15EX is a true workhorse, capable of carrying an astonishing 22 air-to-air missiles or a wide array of precision-guided munitions, including emerging hypersonic weapons. As of mid-2025, nine F-15EX aircraft have already been delivered to the U.S. Air Force, with more expected to join the fleet.
The continued investment in the F-15EX underscores its essential role within the U.S. air combat strategy. It serves as a crucial bridge between legacy fighter aircraft and the highly anticipated sixth-generation capabilities currently under development, ensuring the Air Force maintains its aerial superiority and readiness in a rapidly evolving global security landscape.