The US Air Force could buy six additional upgraded F-15EX Eagle II fighters at a cost of more than $80m and increase its fleet to 110 aircraft

Lawmakers from the House Armed Services Committee are proposing to increase the fleet of upgraded F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The U.S. Air Force would be able to order an additional batch of aircraft in fiscal year 2025 (FY).

Here's What We Know

If the committee's proposal passes, the US Air Force will get an extra push to modernise its fighter aircraft fleet. Budget documents show that the service will order 24 fourth-generation fighters each in FY2023 and FY2024.

However, the committee proposes to procure an additional six aircraft in FY2025. This would increase the total purchase to 30 fighters. In this case, preliminary funding for the F-15EX Eagle II in FY2025 would increase to $320 million.

The committee's decision stems from a desire to accelerate the pace of fleet rejuvenation. The US Air Force is now scrapping old F-15C/D fighters and A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets. The service intends to retire 801 tactical aircraft within five years, while only 345 new F-35s and F-15EXs will be fielded.

The US Air Force has previously stated that it needs to buy 72 fighters every year to modernise and rejuvenate the fleet. Otherwise, it will not be possible to replace the outdated F-15s. If the committee's proposal is accepted, the service will be able to order 76 new fighters at once in FY2025.

The US Air Force originally ordered 144 upgraded F-15EX Eagle aircraft. They have improved avionics and electronic warfare capabilities. The order was later trimmed to 80 fighters, but was recently increased to 104.

If the committee's proposal is accepted, the US Air Force would have 110 Eagle IIs. But it is worth noting that deliveries are delayed by at least six months. This was announced by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). The cost of the upgraded F-15EX will range between $80 and $106 million.

Source: Defence News