Boeing is preparing to deliver the first modernised F-15EX Eagle II Generation 4.5+ fighter in two and a half years to the US Air Force
Supply chain problems have meant that Boeing has not delivered a single modernised F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet to the US Air Force in about two and a half years. Delivery of the first aircraft after the hiatus is scheduled for late 2023.
Here's What We Know
Boeing rolled the fighter out of the hangar in a yellow and green primer. The aircraft was photographed on the road between Boeing's St. Louis plant and the airport. The photo shows that the F-15EX Eagle II is not yet equipped with a canopy that protects the crew from weather, noise and headwinds.
Eagle on the move! ???? The #F15EX EX3 is moving from the factory to the ramp for flight testing before delivery to the @USAirForce later this year. The F-15EX Eagle II is the newest tactical fighter for the U.S. Air Force. pic.twitter.com/Dy1gPiLdDj
- Boeing Defence (@BoeingDefense) August 16, 2023
The U.S. Air Force is positioning the Eagle II as a 5.0- or 4.5+ generation fighter. The service wanted the planes at an accelerated pace. To that end, Boeing borrowed F-15QAs from the Royal Qatar Air Force and delivered the aircraft to the Pentagon with US markings.
For this reason, the F-15EX Eagle II received a missile warning system that is not part of the U.S. configuration. Boeing delivered two Generation 4.5+ fighters to the US Air Force, which have already passed a series of critical tests.
The US Air Force intends to purchase a total of 112 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft. The cost of the fighter will be $80-110 million.
Source: Boeing
