Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Has 1 Big Question to Answer

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Is it Worth the High Cost? The F-15EX Eagle II, Boeing’s latest upgrade to the iconic F-15 series, is a powerful multi-role fighter designed to complement stealth platforms like the F-22 and F-35.

-Despite its high cost, comparable to the F-35, the Eagle II offers unmatched speed, a massive payload capacity, and versatile capabilities for homeland defense, drone coordination, and electronic warfare.

-While non-stealth, the F-15EX excels in tailored missions, such as augmenting stealth fighters with stand-off strike capabilities.

-For countries like Israel, it enhances regional airpower. When used strategically, the F-15EX proves its value as a vital component of modern air operations.

The F-15EX Eagle II, Is It Worth It?

Since its first flight, the American F-15 Eagle was a fantastic air superiority fighter jet. Boeing makes it, and the newest model, the F-15EX Eagle II, is the latest in the series of jets for the airframe. The Eagle II hails its legacy from the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle. 

The Eagle II is an all-weather, multi-role strike fighter that saw its beginnings as a way to upgrade and reinvigorate the aging F-15 C/D models, replacing them with the mission of performing homeland and air defense missions. As a platform, the upgraded models are also used to employ large stand-off weapons to augment the stealth fighters F-22 and F-35. The aircraft was delivered in 2021 and entered operational service in July 2024.

However, the cost of the Eagle II is roughly the same as the F-35. Is it worth building more non-stealth aircraft or using the more modern and survivable stealth fighters today? The answer rests in “how” the non-stealth fighters are used and how much they carry. 

Offensive Use Situations

No sooner had the airframes been delivered, Boeing and the US Air Force were already exploring using the Eagle II fighters in offensive operations. While the F-15EX Eagle II is decidedly a non-stealth Generation Four+ air superiority fighter, it may become invaluable in tailor-made use.

It isn’t reasonable to assume that the Eagle II would survive in a war against adversaries using modern air defense systems. However, it can augment a strike by accompanying F-35 or F-22 stealth fighters. In this scenario, the F-15 EX aircraft would follow behind the stealth fighters, neutralizing the air defense systems of a target area. The Eagle II carries a much larger payload and could be a considerable missile platform.

The stealth fighters would relay information back to the F-15s, and they could loiter out of range of air defense systems and unleash many more weapons from a stand-off position than the stealth fighters could carry. 

Alex Hollings of Sandboxx/Airpower recently wrote that the Eagle II could carry “the Air Force’s AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW.” This weapon (which saw a troubled test regime but may yet find its way into service) offers an immense range of more than 1,000 miles and the ability to fly and maneuver at speeds reportedly in excess of Mach 7. However, at roughly 22 feet long and 6,600 pounds, these massive weapons would never fit inside the internal weapons bay of an American stealth fighter.”

This type of mission fits what Israel faces in the Middle East, with potential airstrikes against Iran, specifically Tehran’s nuclear enrichment sites. The US government authorized the sale to Israel of the F-15IA and the Israeli variant, the F-15I, for 50 aircraft for $18.2 billion. This deal also includes mid-life upgrades for the IAF’s F-15I fighters. The deal would see those older models receive the F-15EX’s avionics configuration.

The Israeli Air Force operates its variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35I, and has been using the F-15s for decades against Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, and others. 

Homeland Defense for F-15EX Eagle II s

Using the F-15EX Eagle for Homeland Defense is a no-brainer. The Eagle II has a top speed of Mach 2.5. Simply put, it is one of the fastest fighter jets in the world. And stealth isn’t as necessary for homeland defense. 

The F-15EX Eagle II, the Air Force’s newest fighter aircraft, arrives to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida March 11. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end through combined developmental and operational tests. The 40th Flight Test Squadron and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron personnel are responsible for testing the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force photo/1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez)

The F-35 is the obvious choice for stealth and data fusion. However, the F-15EX is best in an air superiority role, as it has more weapons and speed. The F-35 can carry a weapons payload of 18,000 pounds, while the F-15EX carries a payload of 29,500 pounds. It can arm with a dozen air-to-air missiles.

Drone Coordination Platform/Electronic Warfare

Another area where the Eagle II could be used is as a drone coordinator for the Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCA. The Air Force has been planning for the F-35s and F-15EXs to team with the XQ-58 Valkyrie drone since 2019. 

The Air Force is also working on establishing some F-15EX aircraft as electronic warfare platforms, such as the EA-18G Growler. In July 2024, the USAF explored integrating the Growler’s new Next Generation Jammer Pods into the Eagle II to convert the fighter into an electronic attack platform capable of penetrating contested airspace and increasing the survivability of other 4th—and 5th-generation aircraft.

So, is the F-15EX Eagle II worth the cost, the same as an F-35? Yes, when used properly and in conjunction with the F-35s.

Boeing F-15EX Eagle II. Artist Image from Boeing.

About the Author: 

Steve Balestrieri is a 19FortyFive National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing for 19FortyFive, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in other military publications.