✈️ US increases F-15EX order after F-35 late delivery! Gen 4 fighters haven't exhausted their role?

✈️ US increased F-15EX orders after F-35 late delivery! Gen 4 fighters haven't exhausted their role?

The United States Air Force (USAF) is increasing its supply of F-15EX Eagle IIs as replacements for aging F-15C / D aircraft; after the F-35A delivery program, it faces delays from software upgrades and a recent delivery process.

💰 on price.

🔹 F-15EX Eagle II has a supply price of around US $80-90 million per unit (depending on the procurement lot).

🔹 F-35A is estimated at US $82-100 million each, with prices differing by contract and equipment included.

🚀 Why did the USAF still choose the F-15EX?

✅ carries significantly more weapons than the F-35, supporting a large number of air-to-air missiles and long-range attack weapons.

✅ has a long operational range, suitable for escort missions and firing weapons from a safe distance.

✅ use existing infrastructure and pilots to quickly deploy.

✅ can operate with 5th-generation aircraft such as the F-35 and F-22.

⚠️ However, the F-15EX is not designed to replace the F-35 because it does not have the same stealth (Stealth) level, but is placed in the role of a "reinforcements" carrying a large number of weapons, working with stealth aircraft in modern combat, or the High-Low Mix concept.

📈 This trend reflects that although fifth-generation fighters are at the heart of future air warfare, the developed 4.5-era fighters like the F-15EX still play an important role in cost-effectiveness, combat readiness and weapons-carrying capabilities.

❓ do you think that in the future, the 4.5s will continue to play a role alongside the fifth, or will they eventually be replaced?

Sources: U.S. Air Force, Boeing Defense, Congressional Research Service (CRS), Government Accountability Office (GAO)

# deepkub # F15EX # F35 # USAF # Warplanes# Military technology