F-15EX Eagle II. Photo and video: Divulgação / Boeing
The first operational F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet landed at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, on June 5, 2024. With this arrival, the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard, stationed in Portland, became the first operational unit of the U.S. Air Force to field the new aircraft.
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“We are immensely excited and proud to serve the state of Oregon and protect the Pacific Northwest,” said a representative of the 142nd Wing. “We are honored that the U.S. Air Force has recognized that the 142nd Wing has everything it takes to be the first to defend our nation with the F-15EX Eagle II.”
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As the latest iteration of the air superiority fighter F-15 Eagle, the F-15EX offers increased payload capacity, fly-by-wire controls, a digital cockpit, modernized sensors and radars, and electronic warfare capabilities. It is expected to eventually replace the older F-15C/D models and upgrade the USAF Eagle fleet.
The arrival of the first operational aircraft marks a significant milestone for the program, following delays in the delivery schedule. Manufacturing defects impacted Lot 1B, consisting of four test aircraft and two operational ones. The original delivery schedule had to be postponed by six months, as detailed in the U.S. Government Accountability Office’s 2023 Annual Weapons System Assessment.
According to a video released by Boeing, showing the aircraft receiving its tail paint, the operational fighters were designated EX7 and EX8. The manufacturer confirmed to Breaking Defense that EX7, the other operational fighter of Lot 1B, is expected to arrive by July 2024, narrowly avoiding a baseline schedule breach.
This acquisition marks a significant advancement in U.S. defensive capabilities, demonstrating a continued commitment to modernization and air superiority.
Photo and video: Divulgação / Boeing. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
