The aircraft is intended to accommodate further upgrades as operational requirements evolve. Sustaining production is part of the Air Force’s effort to deliver modern fighter capability while managing affordability and manufacturing constraints.
“The team remained focused on affordability, production continuity and delivering the aircraft needed to modernize the U.S. Air Force’s fighter fleet for the threats we face today and into the future,” said Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich, Portfolio Acquisition Executive for the Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate. The service’s latest production agreement with Boeing covers 22 F-15EX aircraft under Lot 7.
Negotiators retained all 22 aircraft within available congressionally provided reconciliation funding despite the effects of a 2025 production disruption and wider defense industry inflation. The acquisition team assessed those pressures and completed the agreement before the fiscal-year deadline.
“This effort brought together the right expertise, at the right time, to achieve an outcome that strengthens the F-15EX program and supports the future fighter force,” said Col. Jonathan Varoli, System Program Manager of the directorate’s F-15 Program Office. The negotiations brought together specialists in program management, contracting, pricing, engineering, finance and logistics.
The Department of the Air Force said it will continue working with Boeing to support rapid, affordable and sustainable production. Lot 7 sustains near-term manufacturing while the service assesses future requirements and acquisition strategies.
