Key Points and Summary: Some experts have declared the F-15EX Eagle II a giant waste of money as it is not ‘stealth.’ However, looking at what it could do in the sky could easily refute such an argument.
-The F-15EX Eagle II builds on the legendary F-15 platform, integrating advanced technologies like the AN/APG-82 AESA radar and Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System.
-With its ability to carry up to 12,000 pounds of munitions across 12 external hardpoints and boasting a 20,000-hour airframe lifespan, the F-15EX is a reliable, heavily armed complement to stealthier fifth-generation jets like the F-22 and F-35.
-While not a stealth fighter itself, the F-15EX excels as a standoff weapons platform, augmenting modern airpower strategies.
-It remains a cornerstone for global operators, proving that this Cold War-born platform is still a critical asset in 21st-century warfare.
F-15EX Eagle II: The Fighter Jet That Refuses to Fade
Though it came of age during the Cold War, the F-15 platform has proven to be an extremely versatile fighter — and with extensive upgrades, occupies an interesting niche in air forces around the world as a complement to more advanced fifth-generation stealth fighters
The F-15 Eagle, first introduced into American service in the 1980s, emerged during a period of intense rivalry during the Cold War. The F-15 was designed to dominate the sky thanks to speed, maneuverability, and an advanced avionics and sensor suite specially designed to counter Soviet jets like the MiG-25.
Since its introduction, the F-15 has undergone a number of upgrades and updates that saw an expansion in mission sets and capabilities introduced to the jet and have been of crucial importance to the jet’s longevity, even after the end of the Cold War and the advent and dissemination of stealthy jet designs.
Indeed, despite the ever-increasing introduction of stealth fighters, the F-15, in its later iterations, has remained relevant thanks to its high weapon load out, long range, and good performance.
Over the years, the F-15 has evolved significantly. Variants such as the F-15E Strike Eagle introduced multirole capabilities, allowing it to conduct precision strikes while maintaining air-to-air dominance. This adaptability has been key to the platform’s longevity.
However, as modern military strategy increasingly prioritizes stealth and advanced networking capabilities, the F-15 faces challenges in remaining relevant against newer, stealth-focused platforms like the F-35 and emerging unmanned systems.
F-15EX Eagle II, Explained
The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest iteration of the F-15 platform and incorporates modernized, fully open mission systems architecture. The jet features the advanced AN/APG-82 AESA radar for target tracking and electronic warfare systems like the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System.
Although the jet is not a stealth aircraft, the F-15EX does incorporate measures to reduce its radar cross-section, such as specialized coatings and improved airframe design.
One of the most notable upgrades is the F-15EX’s expanded payload capacity, enhanced to carry thousands of pounds of munitions across 12 external hardpoints — outclassing many contemporary fighters.

The Air Force’s newest fighter, the F-15EX Eagle II, was revealed and named during a ceremony, April 7, 2021, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The aircraft will be the first Air Force aircraft to be tested and fielded from beginning to end, through combined developmental and operational tests. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)
Thanks to advanced materials, the F-15EX Eagle II airframe lifespan has increased to 20,000 flight hours, more than double that of previous variants, and the jet’s operational lifespan has extended into several decades. Newer engines increase thrust significantly, and conformal fuel tanks that hug the fuselage give the jet a significant range boost.
The F-15 platform has also enjoyed considerable export success abroad. Countries such as Japan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, and South Korea operate various F-15 models, a testament to the jet’s appeal as a tried and tested and reliable fighter jet.
A Stealth Compliment
However, the F-15EX’s future lies in its ability to complement stealthier, fifth-generation fighter jets on the modern battlefield.
Although the F-15EX Eagle II cannot rival the low-observable qualities of the F-22 or F-35 fighters, its significant payload capacity gives it the ability to, in essence, act as a heavily armed standoff platform. When equipped with low-observable, standoff munitions, the F-15EX Eagle II’s ability to augment the firepower of stealthier jets is immense.

F-15EX Eagle II artist rendition. Image Credit: Boeing.
Although the trend in aircraft design clearly leans toward stealth platforms, for now, the F-15EX Eagle II continues to occupy a valuable niche as a heavily laden standoff platform and remains a valuable asset, particularly for countries unlikely to go head-to-head with stealthy aircraft.
It would not fare in a highly contested environment as well as a stealth fighter, but it strives to make up for that with a large payload and range.
About the Author: Caleb Larson
Caleb Larson is an American multiformat journalist based in Berlin, Germany. His work covers the intersection of conflict and society, focusing on American foreign policy and European security. He has reported from Germany, Russia, and the United States. Most recently, he covered the war in Ukraine, reporting extensively on the war’s shifting battle lines from Donbas and writing on the war’s civilian and humanitarian toll. Previously, he worked as a Defense Reporter for POLITICO Europe. You can follow his latest work on X.
