US Air Force Doubles Down on F-15EX Order Amid Concerns Over Cost and Obsolescence

The US Air Force has placed an order for 267 F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, more than doubling the original plan of 129 planes. The decision is part of a broader effort to maintain fourth-generation warplane capabilities while transitioning to fifth-generation stealth aircraft.

The increased production costs and technological demands of the larger program have raised concerns within the Pentagon. According to a report, the F-15EX Eagle II combines advanced electronic warfare systems and greater weapons capacity than its predecessor, but may become obsolete with the development of sixth-generation planes.

The cost per plane is estimated at $94 million, and production delays are already occurring. Boeing was supposed to deliver 12 new F-15EXs in the existing order, but will only meet this target by delivering six planes by the end of the year. The Lot Four production line has also slipped, resulting in a two-year delay.