Reading level:

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II

Boeing · Air Superiority / Multi-role Fighter · USA · Digital Age (2010–present)

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II — Air Superiority / Multi-role Fighter
Open in interactive gallery →See aircraft like this on the live radar →

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is the latest production variant of the McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F-15 Eagle family — a non-stealth heavyweight fighter the United States Air Force ordered in 2020 to replace ageing F-15C/D Eagles in the air-superiority and homeland-defence roles. Derived directly from the F-15QA built for Qatar (which itself derived from the F-15SA built for Saudi Arabia), the Eagle II inherits a fly-by-wire flight control system, AN/APG-82 AESA radar, glass cockpit, EPAWSS electronic warfare suite, and a 22,000-lb internal fuel load — the highest of any F-15 variant. First USAF delivery came in March 2021, with operational service following in 2024.

The USAF's strategic case for the F-15EX rests on two pillars. The older F-15C/D fleet — much of it built in the 1980s — was hitting structural service limits faster than projected, and a near-term replacement was needed before stealth alternatives like the F-22 and F-35 could fill the gap. Payload is the second pillar: with up to 23,000 lb of external stores and as many as 12 air-to-air missiles, the Eagle II works as a long-range "missile truck" that complements stealth platforms. The F-22 or F-35 pushes forward and identifies targets; the F-15EX launches the missiles from standoff distance.

Current USAF plans call for 104 F-15EXs (revised from an original 144) at roughly $90 million per aircraft. Indonesia ordered 24 F-15EX-derived aircraft in August 2023, while Israel and Poland are evaluating purchases. Production continues at Boeing's St. Louis facility, sharing capacity with the F/A-18 Super Hornet line.

For Kids — a shorter, friendlier version

The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is a powerful fighter jet used by the American Air Force. It is the newest version of the famous F-15 Eagle family. The Air Force ordered it in 2020 to replace older jets that were wearing out.

The Eagle II is packed with cool technology. It has a special radar called an AESA radar that can spot enemies far away. It also has a fly-by-wire system, which means computers help the pilot control the plane.

One of the most amazing things about the Eagle II is how much fuel it can carry. It holds about 22,000 pounds of fuel inside its body. That is heavier than two full-grown elephants! This helps it fly long distances without stopping.

The Eagle II can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles at once. This makes it great at protecting the sky. Pilots call it a "missile truck" because it carries so many weapons. It works as a team with newer stealth jets like the F-22 and F-35.

The first Eagle II was delivered to the Air Force in March 2021. It started full service in 2024. It keeps American skies safe every day.

Fun Facts

  • The F-15EX Eagle II can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles at one time!
  • Its fuel load is heavier than two full-grown elephants combined.
  • The Eagle II uses a super-smart AESA radar to spot enemies far away.
  • Computers help fly the plane through a system called fly-by-wire.
  • The first Eagle II was handed over to the Air Force in March 2021.
  • It can carry up to 23,000 pounds of weapons and equipment on the outside of the jet.
  • The Eagle II is based on a jet originally built for the country of Qatar.
  • It works as a team with stealth jets like the F-22 and F-35 to protect the sky.

Kids’ Questions

Why did the Air Force need a new Eagle II?

The older F-15C and D jets were built mostly in the 1980s. They were getting very old and wearing out faster than expected. The Air Force needed new jets quickly, so they ordered the Eagle II to fill the gap.

What makes the Eagle II special compared to older F-15s?

The Eagle II has a much better radar and smarter computers than older F-15s. It also carries more fuel than any other F-15 ever made. These upgrades make it stronger and able to fly farther.

What is a "missile truck"?

A missile truck is a plane that carries lots of missiles at once. The Eagle II can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles at the same time. It teams up with stealth jets so they can take out more targets together.

Variants

F-15EX (USAF)
USAF base variant, with single-seat operational and two-seat trainer airframes.
F-15IDN (Indonesia)
Export variant ordered by Indonesia in 2023; 24 aircraft on order.

Notable Operators

United States Air Force
Active duty and Air National Guard squadrons replacing the F-15C/D fleet through the late 2020s.
Indonesian Air Force
24-aircraft order placed August 2023, with deliveries from 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the F-15EX and the F-15E Strike Eagle?

The F-15EX inherits the F-15E airframe and dual-role capability but adds AN/APG-82 AESA radar, fly-by-wire flight controls, EPAWSS electronic warfare, a glass cockpit, and 22,000 lb of internal fuel. It is built to a 20,000 flight-hour service life — versus 8,000 hours for older F-15s — and is fully digital from nose to tail.

Why buy F-15EX when the F-35 exists?

Three reasons: (1) F-35 production capacity isn't large enough to replace the F-15C/D fleet on time; (2) the F-15EX carries far more weapons — 12+ air-to-air missiles versus 6 internal on the F-35 — and has longer range; (3) per-flight-hour operating cost is lower than the F-35's. The two aircraft are complementary, not competing.

How much does an F-15EX cost?

Programme cost works out to roughly $90 million per aircraft, plus support and engines. That puts the Eagle II above an F-16 but below an F-35A — and far below an F-22. Operating cost runs around $29,000 per flight hour, the lowest of any modern Western fighter in its class.

How many F-15EX will the USAF buy?

The USAF originally planned 144 F-15EX, then trimmed the order to 104 in the FY2024 budget. Deliveries continue through the late 2020s. Foreign Military Sales — Indonesia's 24 aircraft, plus interested parties — extend the production run beyond the USAF order.

Can the F-15EX dogfight an F-35?

In a beyond-visual-range engagement, the F-35's stealth gives it the first-shot advantage. In a visual-range merge with all sensors on, the F-15EX's higher speed, climb rate, and missile load could prevail — but modern doctrine avoids that scenario, with stealth aircraft engaging from beyond visual range whenever possible.

Sources

See Also