Upgraded F-15EX Eagle II fighters could cost more than $80m, but will be under $106m

Boeing chief operating officer Steve Parker said last year that the upgraded F-15EX Eagle II aircraft would cost less than $80 million, but Boeing vice president Prat Kumar could not confirm this price for future deliveries.

Here's What We Know

Prat Kumar said the promise made at the Royal International Air Tattoo last July only applies to the first batch of fighters. According to the vice-president, there are no real figures yet as the contract has not been finalised. But there is a "very active discussion" about this at the moment.

Apparently, the F-15EX will go up in price, but will cost less than $106 million. Several years ago, the US Air Force estimated that the Eagle II would reach $106 million per unit in fiscal year 2025. However, Prat Kumar was quick to reassure everyone by saying that this figure was a reflection of post COVID-19 pressure.

It is worth noting that formally, Boeing's chief operating officer's promise has not been fulfilled. The cost of the upgraded F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet under the first batch contract was $80.5 million per unit.

Initially, the US Air Force wanted to purchase 144 aircraft, but over time they reduced the order to 80 units. However, the service specified the purchase of an additional 24 F-15EX fighters in its budget request for fiscal year 2024.

Source: Breaking Defense