F-15EX Eagle II: The Fighter Jet Taiwan Needs?

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Key Points: As China intensifies its military presence near Taiwan, including advanced J-20 and J-35A stealth fighters, Taiwan urgently needs to upgrade its air force. The F-15EX Eagle II offers a formidable option, boasting impressive speed, payload, and modern sensors, though it lacks stealth capabilities.

-With a price tag of $90–97 million per unit, the F-15EX presents a cost-effective alternative to the F-35, potentially enabling Taiwan to counter Chinese air superiority and defend against blockades or amphibious assaults.

-While purchasing both fighters may be ideal, Taiwan could start with a small fleet of F-15EXs to enhance its aerial deterrence against Chinese aggression.

Could Taiwan Purchase the F-15EX Eagle II?

Taiwan was forced to ground its entire fleet of Mirage 2000 fighters in September after a non-fatal crash during night training. This raises the question of whether Taipei needs a new squadron of fighters from the United States.

One option would be the F-15EX Eagle II, a souped-up version of the vaunted and combat-proven F-15E Strike Eagle.

This would give Taiwan a stellar combination of air superiority and ability to stymie the large number of Chinese fighters that fly in Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone on a near weekly basis.

China Is Sprinting Ahead

Taiwan needs help. The Chinese have a new H-20 stealth bomber that will go into serial production later this decade or in the early 2030s. There is the People’s Liberation Army Air Force’s (PLAAF) J-20, a fifth-generation stealth fighter, and a new warplane with stealth attributes known as the J-35A. The PLAAF often exhibits an aerial show of force to overawe the Taiwanese repeatedly with patrols challenging the island’s defenses.

A Blockade or All-Out Amphibious Attack Is Possible

China would be apoplectic if the United States provided the F-15EX to the Taiwanese. It often cries out with frustration when the Americans send weapons systems to Taipei. However, the situation with the mainland is growing dire. During a naval quarantine or blockade, China could quickly establish air dominance and a no-fly zone over Taiwan. Then, China could create an amphibious attack while the friendly air force is cowed into submission. Taiwan needs a fighter to keep the PLAAF from winning a cross-border fight.

F-15EX Specs Make It a Hard-to-Kill Warbird

Enter the F-15EX. This bird is quite impressive, even though it is not stealthy. It is a multi-role warplane that can easily intercept enemy fighters. It has an enviable payload size, great range, and excellent speed.

F-15EX. Image Credit: Creative Commons.

The F-15EX will feature a modern suite of radars and sensors, a pilot-friendly cockpit, and a unique Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System for improved situational awareness.

The great thing about the F-15EX is its speed and propulsion. Two F110-GE-129 turbofan engines create excellent acceleration. The F-15EX can go from minimum power to maximum power in four seconds. The two engines push out 50,000 pounds of thrust with 750 gallons of fuel. The F-15EX can achieve MACH 2.5+.

The F-15EX Comes with a High Price

However, the F-15EX costs around $90 million to $97 million per fighter. Taiwan must decide how much it will invest in its air force. President-elect Donald Trump and his national security team are looking for ways for Taiwan to spend more on defense and improve its forces to thwart China. It is unclear if the United States would rescue Taiwan if there were a blockade or amphibious attack.

There is some speculation that Taiwan could also acquire the F-35. That purchase would surely make Xi Jinping furious. Even with the non-stealth F-15EX, China is likely to stage a massive military exercise designed to intimidate the Taiwanese should the F-15EX and F-35 be transferred to the island.

But Taiwan desperately needs a new fighter. The F-15EX would be a solid choice, especially paired with the F-35. Take a look at Israel’s experience with a recent attack on Iran. The Israelis used the F-35I, along with a force of F-16s and F-15Is, to attack deep into Iran. All airplanes returned without a scratch. The F-35I suppressed Iranian surface-to-air missile systems, and the non-stealth fighters streamed in with ground strikes on other military targets.

Staff Sgt. Dave Smith and Senior Airman John Pusieski from the 58th Operational Support Squadron, 58th Fighter Wing, peform last-minute checks and arm practice bombs on an F-15E Eagle aircraft from the 461st Fighter Squadron.

Taiwan could defend itself well against Chinese fighters and launch its own “bloody nose” attack against China with F-15EXs and F-35s.

It is unclear if Taiwan has the funds to buy both models, but Taipei could start with a small batch of F-15EXs and work its way up to purchasing the F-35. Taiwan needs an upgrade from the Mirage 2000s. The stakes are high, and it is time for Taiwan to get serious about its defense.

About the Author: Dr. Brent M. Eastwood

Brent M. Eastwood, PhD, is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare, plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for U.S. Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former U.S. Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.