US Air Force to expand F-15EX Eagle II fleet to 268 aircraft

The United States Air Force is significantly expanding its fleet of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, planning to increase the total number from 98 to 268 aircraft. This strategic shift positions the F-15EX as a critical heavy-strike partner to the F-35A stealth fighter.

While the F-35A excels in stealth and target identification, it faces limitations regarding internal weapons capacity and operational availability during long-term deployments. In contrast, the F-15EX offers a massive weapons payload of up to 13,300 kg, far exceeding the F-35A’s internal capacity of 2,268 kg.

By utilizing data shared by F-35A aircraft, the F-15EX can launch large payloads from safe distances. This synergy is intended to bolster military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, providing a combined force of stealth, heavy firepower, and unmanned drones to counter evolving aerial threats.