The F-15EX Eagle II will cost $7.5 million more than the F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft

The US Air Force will pay more for the modernised F-15EX aircraft than for the fifth-generation F-35A fighters. Breaking Defence journalists found out the prices.

Here's What We Know

The US Air Force confirmed to reporters that a contract was awarded to Boeing on 28 September 2023 for three batches of upgraded F-15EX Eagle II generation 4.5++ fighters. The cost per aircraft was $90 million, with the figure set to rise in the next batches.

The Eagle II programme is likely to face criticism. This will not come as a surprise, as the F-15EX will be $7.5 million more expensive than the fifth-generation F-35A conventional takeoff and landing fighter. It is possible that critics will urge the US Air Force to focus on the Lightning II.

So, the cost of the F-15EX will start at $90 million in Lot 2 and increase to $97 million in Lot 3. After that, the planes will get a little cheaper. The fighters of the fourth batch will cost the US budget $94 million per unit.

The cost compared to Lot 1 will increase by more than 10 per cent. The first six aircraft, including two test aircraft, which have already been handed over to the US Air Force, were valued at $80.5 million per unit.

The second and third batches will consist of 12 aircraft, while the fourth will consist of 24 units. Lot 4 deliveries are scheduled for 2026. The total cost of 48 F-15EX Eagle II fighters is $3.9 billion. It should be noted that all prices are in the dollars of the corresponding year, adjusted for inflation.

Source: Breaking Defence