The Indian Air Force (IAF) is actively pursuing the induction of new multirole fighter aircraft, with a particular interest in the American Boeing F-15EX. Recent reports indicate that the F-15EX comes equipped with advanced AMBER missile racks, enhancing its operational capabilities and giving the IAF a significant strategic advantage.
The AMBER missile racks are designed to offer remarkable versatility and flexibility, enabling the fighter jet to carry a diverse array of weapons tailored for various mission profiles. This innovative technology allows the F-15EX to potentially carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles, which positions it to engage multiple targets simultaneously, a capability that is expected to reshape air combat dynamics in the region.
The AMBER system is not restricted to air-to-air combat; it is also engineered to accommodate small-sized bombs and a mixture of direct attack weaponry, further broadening the aircraft’s operational scope. The F-15EX is the latest iteration in the F-15 Advanced Eagle family, evolving from earlier models like the F-15E, with advancements seen in its configurations since its first flight, including the F-15SA and F-15QA in recent years.
Each AMBER rack is substantial; it can hold four missiles per rack. The F-15EX is designed to include four of these racks under each wing as well as a fifth rack mounted below the fuselage. This configuration supports a loadout of 20 long-range AIM-120D missiles and an additional two short-range AIM-9X missiles, which solidifies the fighter’s status as one of the most capable in terms of missile carrying capacity.
The interest in the F-15EX has been spurred by the Indian Air Force’s strategic requirement for 114 Multirole Fighter Aircraft, a specification announced in April 2018, alongside similar needs articulated by the Indian Navy. Multiple aircraft manufacturers, including Boeing, have responded to the request for information (RFI), underscoring the competitive landscape for India’s military aviation expansion.
With these developments, India appears poised to modernize its air combat capabilities significantly, a move that is likely to be closely monitored by regional powers such as Pakistan and China, potentially altering the balance of air power in South Asia.
