F-15EX: The Killer Fighter Plane the U.S. Air Force Needs
By
Caleb Larson
F-15EX Screenshot from Boeing Video
The U.S. Air Force announced that they officially accepted the first of 144 new F-15EX fighter jets from Boeing.
An F-15EX Program Manager explained what the new fighter jet’s rollout means for the Air Force, saying “this is a big moment for the Air Force,†and explaining how although the F-15EX is a 4th generation fighter, it will work closely with more advanced jets in the future. “With its large weapons capacity, digital backbone, and open architecture, the F-15EX will be a key element of our tactical fighter fleet and complement 5th-generation assets. In addition, it’s capable of carrying hypersonic weapons, giving it a niche role in future near-peer conflicts.â€
Why F-15EX Matters
As per the National Defense Strategy, the Air Force is obligated to buy 72 new fighter jets per year in order to maintain fleet levels. The F-15C/D fleet’s average age is 37 years, meaning that many of these airframes will soon reach the end of their service lives. And the F-15EX is an easy replacement solution.
https://www.19fortyfive.com/2021/03/f-15ex-the-killer-fighter-plane-the-u-s-air-force-needs/
