The F-15EX Eagle II fighter may be a sales hit for Boeing

About the author: The Boeing F-15EX Eagle II is attracting interest from countries around the world, even though it is a fourth-generation fighter without stealth capabilities. The aircraft offers increased weapons capacity, next-generation survivability and modern software infrastructure, positioning it as a competitive warbird of the 21st century.

– Countries such as Israel, Japan, Poland and Saudi Arabia are considering or have already expressed interest in the F-15EX. While the F-15EX is not a fifth-generation fighter, its proven combat performance and adaptability to local needs make it an attractive option for global air forces.

-As Boeing faces challenges with other aircraft, the Eagle II can provide much-needed support.

Buyers are lining up for the F-15EX

Aerospace giant Boeing hasn’t had what anyone who takes even a cursory look at the aviation sector would describe as a “good year.” The company is facing a Federal Aviation Administration investigation to ensure that “completed products comply with the approved design and are in condition for safe operation in accordance with FAA regulations,” while U.S. investigators imposed sanctions on Boeing in June.

Additionally, while Boeing was able to finally finalize a deal with the U.S. Navy following a contract dispute over the final block of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the planemaker has failed to find foreign buyers – meaning production will end by the end of the decade a venerable, all-weather, multi-role fighter.

But behind every gray cloud there is good news, and for Boeing it could be the F-15EX Eagle II, an upgraded, multi-role variant of the combat-proven F-15 Eagle. National Defense Magazine reported last November that Boeing was “actively demonstrating the U.S. military’s new F-15EX to international customers, highlighting a number of new features.” The Eagle II’s new capabilities included “increased weapons capacity, next-generation survivability, and modern software infrastructure.” As the report further noted, quoting company executives, “The world is taking notice.”

Although the F-15EX is not a fifth-generation fighter and does not have stealth capabilities, it is touted as a still capable combat aircraft that will meet the challenges of the 21st century. It is capable of carrying a full dozen missiles, a significant increase over the Cold War-era F-15 Eagle, which was capable of carrying eight air-to-air missiles. The additional weapon payload capacity was the result of placing new missile stations towards the wingtips.

Lucky seven

Although the F-15EX was originally offered to the U.S. Air Force to replace its aging fleet of F-15 Eagles, Boeing has since begun looking for foreign buyers – and the world seems to have taken notice. The United States is one of eight countries that can operate the plane.

According to a report by Simple Flying, other countries that have expressed interest in the Eagle II include Israel, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and South Korea. In some of these countries, the aircraft may be modified to meet local needs.

As previously reported, NATO ally Poland is actually the seventh country that could opt for the Eagle II, as Warsaw weighed options between the Boeing plane and the Eurofighter Typhoon. While the latter aircraft has been widely adopted by NATO members, the Eagle II may gain an advantage as engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney said it would increase the number of engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in Poland.

Except seven

Several other countries were also mentioned as potential customers for the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II. Egypt tops the list, and Cairo may be even more likely to decide to purchase the Eagle II given reports that Algeria may accept the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name Felon).

Indonesia and Thailand have been mentioned as other potential buyers of the Eagle II. Both operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon, with the latter now appearing to use the Swedish Saab JAS Gripen 39 instead of the latest F-16 block. It was last year that Washington rejected Bangkok’s planned acquisition of the Eagle II and pushed it toward the F-16, but it’s possible the United States could change course again by offering up the F-15EX – which indeed appears to be the fighter of which the Royal Thai Air Force really wanted! Boeing needs another victory, and Washington can give it one.

The F-15 Eagle II has arguably one of the best service records in history, with over a hundred aerial victories and no combat losses. This is an unbreakable record that may be a sales advantage for the Eagle II – so it is possible that more buyers will be in line for it, which will be music to Boeing’s ears.

Author experience and expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a writer based in Michigan. He has contributed to over forty magazines, newspapers and websites with over 3,200 published articles over a twenty-year journalistic career. He writes regularly about military equipment, the history of firearms, cybersecurity, politics and international affairs. Peter is also Co-author for Forbes and Billing work. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: (email protected).

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