Boeing Lands $2.38 Billion F-15EX Order as US Air Force Ups Fleet Goal
The US Air Force has ordered another batch of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets from Boeing, this time for $2.38 billion. The contract covers 22 additional aircraft, bringing the total number of contracted fighters to 120.
These new orders are part of Lot 7, a production lot that is expected to deliver aircraft through the remainder of 2026. However, the delivery pace has been slow so far, with only 22 aircraft having reached the Air Force while Boeing and the service aim to produce two jets per month.
The F-15EX program has faced production delays in recent years due to manufacturing problems involving the forward fuselage and supply chain issues. The delays have pushed back subsequent production lots, including Lot 4 which was previously expected to start delivering in 2026 but is now scheduled for 2028.
The Air Force had initially planned to stop procurement at 98 F-15EXs, but its latest force structure plans call for a fleet of more than 260 aircraft. The fighter will not only replace older F-15C/Ds but also part of the F-15E Strike Eagle fleet.