The United States government has proposed a significant increase in the fleet of F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets, raising the planned number from 98 to 129 units. The change was revealed with the release of the Department of Defense’s budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year, which allocates $3 billion to the program.
The decision represents a victory for Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, especially following former President Donald Trump’s announcement that the Michigan Air National Guard, which will lose its A-10 Warthogs, will be reequipped with the new F-15EX jets.
+ Video: Boeing delivers first F-15E Strike Eagle with advanced electronic warfare system
Despite the confirmation of 21 new units for Michigan, the total number still raises questions, as the previous count stood at 98 aircraft. Air Force officials explained that the total of 129 includes additional resources projected in other legislative proposals. There is a possibility that squadrons originally planned to receive 18 aircraft will be expanded to 21, which would partially explain the increase. Currently, bases such as Portland, Fresno, New Orleans, and Kadena in Japan are among those expected to receive the new fighters.
The expansion of the fleet indicates confidence in the F-15EX’s performance, which excelled in testing and will soon be the only fighter jet produced on Boeing’s St. Louis production line. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin faced a reduction in F-35 orders, with only 47 units planned in the new budget, down from 74 previously projected.
The current focus is on upgrading the existing fleet and securing international contracts. The proposal still needs congressional approval.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @usairforce | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
The Air Force’s newest F-15EX Eagle II aircraft touched down at Eglin AFB. The F-15EX is the most up-to-date F-15 variant, bringing significantly enhanced capabilities over earlier airframes. 🦅 🦅 https://t.co/l0DDYdfFOm. pic.twitter.com/jpM7VoTY4U
— U.S. Air Force (@usairforce) January 8, 2024
