Ninth Eagle II delivered to US Air Force
May 16, 2025
The ninth aircraft departed from Boeing’s production facility in St. Louis on 1 May, and headed for its new home in Oregon, where it joined the first operationally configured F-15EX, delivered to Portland in June 2024, and the second aircraft which followed shortly after, completing Lot 1 deliveries.
Kurt Schroeder, F-15EX programme manager said that: “The delivery of F-15EX-9 to the Portland Air National Guard is a significant milestone that highlights the hard work and dedication of our employees and represents the latest advancements in technology and capability, enhancing the operational readiness of the Air National Guard. The contributions of our teams have been vital in achieving this success, and their commitment to excellence has ensured that the F-15EX meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. This delivery not only highlights our achievements but also sets the stage for continued innovation and collaboration for our customers.”
The US Air Force has announced plans to purchase 98 F-15EX aircraft, spread over six production lots, and Boeing is ramping up production, with almost 90 units in the pipeline, and with aircraft from the third and fourth production lots in various stages of assembly in St. Louis.
Recent improvements in factory operations have reduced the need for rework, allowing for more efficient production and delivery. The goal is to consistently produce and deliver two aircraft per month by the end of 2026. The team has implemented a so-called “Cut the CoRRS” strategy which focuses on minimizing rework and maximizing quality. Team members address problems proactively during daily “Quality Power Hour” meetings.
Tom Altamuro, Boeing director of F-15 manufacturing and safety noted that: “Factory performance has been improving in recent months, with rework and travelled work rates decreasing month over month, enhancing workflow productivity and supporting factory stabilization.”
F-15EX procurement was once expected to reach 144 aircraft, but was progressively cut back. It may now be increased as the USAF needs to expand its fighter capabilities. The Pentagon plans to base 36 of its new F-15EXs at the strategically important Kadena AFB on the Japanese island of Okinawa, while the remaining 62 aircraft will replace legacy F-15C/Ds at a number of CONUS (continental USA) Air National Guard bases. 21 of the aircraft will go to Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan, replacing ageing A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft, casting doubt on initial plans to base single 18-aircraft squadrons in Oregon, California, and Louisiana.
Boeing is also hoping to export the Eagle II, with potential customers in Indonesia, Poland and Singapore, as well as Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Boeing maintains that the F-15EX’s formidable electronic warfare and electronic attack capabilities will allow it to survive in contested airspace and add firepower to that of low observable aircraft like the F-22 and F-35, carrying up to 12 AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles. The F-15EX can also carry larger weapons, including long range stand off air to surface missiles (eg up to three Lockheed Martin AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), and including future hypersonic weapons.
Steve Parker, the chief executive of Boeing’s defence unit, described the Eagle II as the “the most advanced, lethal and survivable F-15 ever. We integrated fifth-generation sensors, avionics and advanced weapons into this proven platform that has always owned speed, range and payload. Our factory is now solely building and delivering operational ready F-15EXs to the USAF, while steadily increasing production the right way to meet the demand for this icon of aviation.”
