The proposed budget reflects the U.S. Department of Defense’s ongoing commitment to modernising the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower capabilities. “The F-15EX will help us bolster the industrial base and maintain production continuity at Boeing’s facilities,” a Pentagon spokesperson stated.
The F-15EX Eagle II, developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security in St. Louis, Missouri, is a modernised version of the legacy F-15 platform. It is designed to complement stealth aircraft such as the F-35 by providing superior payload capacity, extended range, and high survivability in both homeland defence and contested environments.
Originally introduced under a July 2020 contract, the F-15EX programme began with an initial order for eight aircraft, as part of a deal with a ceiling value of approximately $23 billion for up to 144 units. The U.S. Air Force has since adjusted its procurement target to a total of 104 aircraft, aiming to replace its aging F-15C/D fleet and sustain air superiority.
