An Air Force spokesperson confirmed the updated procurement goal and said the expansion will support broader modernization efforts. “This will complete building existing F-15EX units and then begin to recapitalize the aging F-15E fleet,” the spokesperson said.
The service currently operates about 25 F-15EX aircraft and has contracts with Boeing for more than 100 units. The F-15EX is an upgraded version of earlier F-15 models, featuring advanced avionics, fly-by-wire controls and improved electronic warfare systems.
Air Force officials said the aircraft will complement other platforms, including the F-35A, within a broader fighter strategy. The service is seeking to balance capabilities across different aircraft types to meet operational requirements.
An official said: “There are fundamental differences in what we’re looking for in a platform like the F-15EX, as compared to other advanced fifth-generation and sixth-generation fighters.” The official added: “And when you break down the specifics of what that airplane can do, in its specific carriage capability, is the number of [weapons] rails that it has, and its role in the Pacific theater, there is a specific need for it.”
The official said the aircraft plays a distinct role in the force structure. “It’s about a balanced portfolio in order to meet combatant command and joint service requirements,” the official said.
The expansion follows several changes to the program in recent years. Initial plans in 2020 called for up to 144 aircraft, before being reduced to 80 in 2022 and later adjusted to 104 in 2023 and 129 in 2025.
The F-15EX was originally intended to replace older F-15C and F-15D aircraft, as well as some A-10 platforms. The larger fleet would also support efforts to retire portions of the F-15E Strike Eagle inventory.
The Air Force currently operates 216 F-15E aircraft and has previously planned to retain only 99 of them. Expanding the F-15EX fleet would allow further reductions in older aircraft.
Officials say the increased procurement supports a broader goal of acquiring at least 72 new fighters annually. This is intended to reverse long-term trends of a shrinking and aging fighter fleet.
Under the fiscal year 2027 request, the Air Force plans to purchase 62 fighters, including 38 F-35A aircraft and 24 F-15EX jets. In fiscal year 2026, the service is acquiring 24 F-35s and 22 F-15EX aircraft.
Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine.
