The U.S. Department of Defense has proposed a $3.1 billion allocation in its Fiscal Year 2026 budget to continue the procurement of Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, supporting the acquisition of 21 additional aircraft. This investment underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to modernizing the U.S. Air Force’s tactical airpower fleet and maintaining production continuity at Boeing’s St. Louis facilities.
The F-15EX Eagle II is a significantly upgraded variant of the legacy F-15 platform, designed to complement stealth fighters like the F-35 by offering unmatched payload capacity, high survivability, and extended operational range. It can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a wide array of precision-guided munitions, including hypersonic weapons such as the AGM-183A ARRW. The aircraft features advanced systems like the AN/APG-82 AESA radar, Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a digital cockpit with multifunctional large-area displays, fly-by-wire controls, and open mission systems architecture for future weapon and sensor integration.
Originally contracted in 2020 for up to 144 aircraft, the U.S. Air Force has refined its procurement plans to 104 jets to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet and sustain air superiority. As of mid-2025, nine F-15EX jets have been delivered, with operational units including the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard.
This continued investment reflects the strategic importance of the F-15EX in bridging the gap between legacy fighters and future sixth-generation platforms, ensuring the U.S. Air Force retains robust, versatile air combat capabilities in both homeland defense and contested environments.
