Military aircraft play vital roles in a variety of missions, from transporting troops and equipment to air-to-ground strikes and surveillance operations. The success of these missions depends heavily on achieving air superiority. In this regard, the backbone of any air force is formed by its most powerful fighter jets. The U.S. Air Force’s iconic F-15 family exemplifies this role, with a history dating back to the late 1960s.
The Birth of a Legend: The History of the F-15
The original F-15 model was designed by McDonnell Douglas in 1969 as part of the U.S. Air Force’s effort to counter the Soviet Union’s fearsome MiG-25 Foxbat fighter. This aircraft was a groundbreaking engineering achievement for its time. Experts have hailed the F-15 program as “one of the most successful aircraft development and procurement programs in U.S. Air Force history.”
In 1997, McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, and subsequent generations of the F-15 family began to be developed under Boeing. The latest addition, the state-of-the-art F-15EX Eagle II, represents the pinnacle of this transformation.
Design and Development of the F-15EX Eagle II
In April 2021, the official unveiling and naming ceremony for the F-15EX took place at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. During the ceremony, it was emphasized that this next-generation fighter jet is a testament to Boeing’s engineering expertise. Lieutenant General Duke Richardson, the Air Force’s Assistant Secretary for Acquisition, highlighted that the delivery of two F-15EX units was completed in just nine months—a significant improvement from the typical 39-month timeline.
Boeing incorporated sophisticated technologies in the design of the F-15EX. One standout feature is the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) developed by BAE Systems, an advanced electronic warfare suite that offers superior protection against enemy threats.
F-15EX Production Hub: St. Louis, Missouri
The F-15EX is manufactured at Boeing’s facility in St. Louis, Missouri, the same area where the original F-15A was built decades ago. The first F-15EX unit was produced here and delivered to the Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon.
In addition to the F-15 family, Boeing also leads the production of legendary models like the B-52 bomber, T-7A Red Hawk trainer aircraft, and Air Force One.
The Future of the F-15 Family and Global Deployment
The F-15 family is a cornerstone not only for the U.S. but also for many allied nations worldwide. In November 2024, South Korea launched a $6.2 billion modernization program to upgrade its fleet of 59 F-15K jets with new radar systems and advanced equipment. Similarly, Israel has signed a $5.2 billion deal to procure 24 F-15EX Eagle II jets, locally designated as the F-15IA.
With the introduction of these new models, older F-15C and F-15D units are set to be replaced by these advanced aircraft. The Oregon Air National Guard views the F-15EX as an ideal upgrade for their current F-15C fleet, ensuring cutting-edge capabilities for years to come.
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