Summary and Key Points: The F-15EX Eagle II is framed as a high-capacity, all-weather strike fighter optimized for heavy weapons loads and flexible mission sets—from air policing to follow-on operations after enemy air defenses are reduced.
-With roughly 23–25 stations and a payload near 29,500 pounds, it’s positioned as a “missile/bomb truck” that can mix AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X Sidewinder with smart strike weapons like Stormbreaker, plus future long-range munitions such as AIM-260 JATM.
-The jet pairs naturally with stealth platforms, expands capacity in the Air National Guard, and supports forward basing in the Indo-Pacific.
Forget Stealth for a Second: The F-15EX Eagle II Is Built to Carry a War’s Worth of Missiles
Whether it is air policing or encroaching on enemy air space when Day Two warfare arises after initial suppression of adversarial air defenses, the F-15EX Eagle II is going to be a hit. The all-weather, multi-role strike fighter jet is highly capable, whether in terms of engines or weapons. The munitions this warbird can carry are immense.
This is because the F-15EX has 23 to 25 hardpoints for ordnance. That number is better than the other members of the F-15 family that came standard with 11 or 12 hard points. This makes the F-15EX a missile or bomb truck by default.
What the F-15EX Brings to the Table
In an era in which beyond visual range (BVR) missiles are all the rage, the F-15EX excels. It can carry 12 AMRAAMs or a mix of heavy bombs and BVRs. The weapons payload is a whopping 29,500 pounds. Pilots can opt for a dogfighting mode and adorn the wings with AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared-guided short-range air-to-air missiles.
There is also the Stormbreaker smart weapon with a range of 45 miles that can “see” at night or in bad weather. For ground strike, the F-15EX deploys JDAMs and Paveways.
New Very Long-Range Standoff Missile
That’s not all. The hardpoints also accommodate additional fuel tanks and targeting pods, enabling extended range and improved weapon accuracy during dogfights. One new weapon on board will be the AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM). This is a very long-range BVR weapon. The military is investing $671 million in its development. When this missile comes online, enemy fighters will never know what hit them.
F-15EX Eagle II from U.S. Air Force
F-15EX Eagle II Fighter from Boeing.
An F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, takes flight for the first time out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 26, 2021, prior to departure for Northern Edge 2021. The F-15EX brings next-generation combat technology to a highly successful fighter airframe that is capable of projecting power across multiple domains for the Joint Force. (U.S Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray)
F-15EX. Image Credit: U.S. Air Force.
Don’t Forget Hypersonics
Moreover, the F-15EX will be able to wield the AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, that can fly at hypersonic MACH 7 speeds and pummel enemy targets with in-air maneuverability to outwit air defenses. The Air Force is excited about this boost glide weapon.
When It’s Time to Wage War
The F-15EX, as a 4.5-generation fighter, is not fully stealthy, but it does have ample radar-evading attributes. That’s why some envision it as a Day One fighter, not just relegated to Day Two duties. It could outfox enemy air defenses in an early attack.
9-1-1 Air Policeman
The F-15EX is also well-suited to defending friendly airspace and intercepting enemy aircraft that cross air defense identification zones. This fighter can scramble quickly and escort hostile aircraft away from the border. This airplane can blast drones out of the sky, too, since uncrewed loitering munitions are so dangerous these days.
The Eagle II could fly in tandem with F-35 and F-22s, creating an impressive level of firepower in a coordinated attack. The F-15EX could patrol the airspace around the main strike mission, enabling the stealth fighters to destroy enemy air defenses and clear the way for follow-on bombing operations by B-2s or B-21s.
Let’s Give the Air National Guard Units a Chance to Have Fun
The most enthusiastic supporters of the F-15EX are National Guard members. The Eagle II will replace older F-15C/D aircraft. The Oregon Air National Guard is receiving Eagle IIs, and they will be flying out of Portland Air National Guard Base. Fifteen have already been delivered.
The F-15EX is about force modernization for reserve units. The active-duty pilots are not disappointed either. Eagle IIs were ferried to Guam last summer to participate in the REFORPAC 25 military exercise, and they demonstrated that the aircraft can operate with all hardpoints loaded with munitions. Expect multiple future deployments at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam from full-time stationing at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
F-15EXs Will Fly Full-time Out of Kadena
A permanent stationing of F-15EXs will happen later this year at Kadena Air Base in Japan as well. This is the squadron that will be so pivotal if the Chinese attack Taiwan and the United States decides to intervene. The Japanese deployment is important for military strategy in the Indo-Pacific.
Despite these positive developments, the F-15EX has been criticized for lacking stealth. But the F-15 family has enjoyed a strong combat record over the years, and production lines remain open. Boeing believes this fighter is among the best in the business compared to other 4.5-generation aircraft.
The armaments are state-of-the-art, and pilots have a friendly, familiar cockpit that allows them to quickly adapt to the rigors of flight after operating the F-15C/Ds for so long.
The Eagle II Has Sharp Claws
Let’s watch this fighter as it spreads its claws, particularly in East Asia. The Chinese have one more headache to deal with since the Eagle II is a heavy bomb or missile truck. The high performance is another reason to love it, as the speed, thrust, and rate of climb are all excellent.
The F-15EX is ready for combat and appears poised to excel in future military exercises. Boeing will produce about 20 Eagle IIs per year, which may seem low, but they are working to increase the build rate. There is much to like about the F-15EX, and its advantages outweigh any negatives associated with the airplane’s lack of complete stealth. It will be a stalwart on Day One or Day Two of warfare, and the Indo-Pacific will gain a significant asset for future operations in the region.
About the Author: Brent M. Eastwood
Author of now over 3,000 articles on defense issues, Brent M. Eastwood, PhD is the author of Don’t Turn Your Back On the World: a Conservative Foreign Policy and Humans, Machines, and Data: Future Trends in Warfare plus two other books. Brent was the founder and CEO of a tech firm that predicted world events using artificial intelligence. He served as a legislative fellow for US Senator Tim Scott and advised the senator on defense and foreign policy issues. He has taught at American University, George Washington University, and George Mason University. Brent is a former US Army Infantry officer. He can be followed on X @BMEastwood.
