A Strategic Pivot: Why the U.S. Air Force is Betting Big on the F-15EX

[rangerrebew]

 A Strategic Pivot: Why the U.S. Air Force is Betting Big on the F-15EX
Story by Martha A. Lavallie • 3h


The U.S. House of Representatives has backed a significant F-15EX fighter jet production boost while halting planned F-22 Raptor and F-15E Strike Eagle retirements.1

This unexpected move comes as the U.S. Air Force grapples with the dual challenges of modernizing its fighter fleet and maintaining a robust air defense capability. The stakes couldn’t be higher as tensions simmer in various global hotspots and near-peer competitors continue to advance their aerospace capabilities.

But what’s driving this sudden shift in strategy, and how might it reshape the future of aerial warfare?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/a-strategic-pivot-why-the-u-s-air-force-is-betting-big-on-the-f-15ex/ar-AA1tqgxx?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=HCTS&cvid=fce48264493d4226b8bf7b0d55a64a46&ei=29

[Smokin Joe]

From Google's generative AI:

The cost of an F-15EX fighter jet varies by production lot, but is generally between $90 million and $97 million per aircraft:

Lot 2: The per-plane cost is approximately $90 million
Lot 3: The per-plane cost is expected to be $97 million
Lot 4: The per-plane cost is expected to be $94 million

The F-15EX's cost is higher than original estimates, and more expensive than the F-35:

Original estimates: Boeing officials predicted the per-plane cost would be under $80 million

Comparison to F-35: The F-35A costs an average of $82.5 million per aircraft, while the F-35B costs an average of $109 million and the F-35C costs an average of $102.1 million

The F-15EX's high cost has raised concerns, but some say that foreign military orders could help lower costs. Boeing is also looking for ways to control costs, such as:

    Being proactive to overcome economics, inflation, and workforce instability
    Focusing on remaining affordable