US ramps up production of F-35 Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II fighters

The United States will increase production of fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II fighters and upgraded F-15EX Eagle II jets. This was announced by Frank Kendall, secretary of the US Air Force.

Here's What We Know

Unfortunately, Frank Kendall did not reveal detailed information regarding the new production volumes of the fourth and fifth generation aircraft. So we can rely only on previously released information.

In particular, Boeing will produce not 80, but 104 upgraded F-15EX Eagle II fighters. In fiscal year (FY) 2024, the US Air Force is asking for funds to buy 24 aircraft. The service is currently operating only two fighters.

And we recently learned that the F-15EX Eagle II will get conformal fuel tanks after all. They significantly affect the flight time, although they reduce speed and maneuverability of the aircraft. In total, the U.S. Air Force wants nearly $3 billion in FY2024 for purchases related to Eagle II fighters.

As for the F-35 Lightning II, the US Air Force plans to buy 48 fifth-generation fighters in FY2024. In late 2022, Lockheed Martin formally announced a contract to deliver 398 aircraft to US and foreign customers.