Boeing F-15EX/QA and related variants

[bring_it_on]

My understanding is that these proposals come from the Air Force, not the White House. If they want more money, then it is the legislative branch that controls the purse, not the executive. So I think your post comes with some...strings attached...

I am hearing the exact opposite and have had private conversations with a couple of reporters also chasing this angle and they seem to be in sync with the decision being driven by FYDP and beyond spending and the current SecAF wanting to prioritize F-35A over F-15EX. It has already been reported that Kendall wanted to outright cancel the EX and this was brought up during a 4/27 HASC hearing as well. The AF in its FYDP ramps up F-35A annual procurement as soon as it stops buying F-15EX's and that is also in sync with when the bulk of the Increment 2 F-35 Block IV hardware changes (EW apertures etc) are expected to be cut in and begin testing. So this is very much an admin driven decision..and we should expect the services UPL next year to pehaps even reflect additional long lead funding for FY25 and beyond EX's.

They've already basically cancelled the EX

They haven't "cancelled" the EX in any shape or form. It's still a close to $10 Billion program for ANG fleet modernization. With annual orders being 24 for FY-23, and 24, it gives the Air Force (through UPL) or Congress a good middle ground to get a couple of years of additional procurement funded in FY-25 and 26 which basically gets them very close to the original desired quantity to recap the F-15C fleet.

Unless NGAD is already in EMD and expected to be in LRIP around 2026-2027, I seriously doubt Congress will honor the administrations request to stop buying the F-15EX after FY24. Another 20-40 EX's are probably on the cards beyond the 80 the admin currently wants to have.

 

[Josh_TN]

The EX apparently is going to be the opening platform for HACM (or else the Echos?). I suspect while the total buy seems lowered now that long term it gets picked up more. I think long run it’s the F-16 that truly gets murdered, and, we’re Congress to stop protecting it, the A-10.

Also I think the A-10 should be retired, now that the sandbox wars are over, but I just don’t feel like being yelled at anymore to defend that position.

 

[rooster]

My understanding is that these proposals come from the Air Force, not the White House. If they want more money, then it is the legislative branch that controls the purse, not the executive. So I think your post comes with some...strings attached...

I am hearing the exact opposite and have had private conversations with a couple of reporters also chasing this angle and they seem to be in sync with the decision being driven by FYDP and beyond spending and the current SecAF wanting to prioritize F-35A over F-15EX. It has already been reported that Kendall wanted to outright cancel the EX and this was brought up during a 4/27 HASC hearing as well. The AF in its FYDP ramps up F-35A annual procurement as soon as it stops buying F-15EX's and that is also in sync with when the bulk of the Increment 2 F-35 Block IV hardware changes (EW apertures etc) are expected to be cut in and begin testing. So this is very much an admin driven decision..and we should expect the services UPL next year to pehaps even reflect additional long lead funding for FY25 and beyond EX's.

They've already basically cancelled the EX

They haven't "cancelled" the EX in any shape or form. It's still a close to $10 Billion program for ANG fleet modernization. With annual orders being 24 for FY-23, and 24, it gives the Air Force (through UPL) or Congress a good middle ground to get a couple of years of additional procurement funded in FY-25 and 26 which basically gets them very close to the original desired quantity to recap the F-15C fleet.

Unless NGAD is already in EMD and expected to be in LRIP around 2026-2027, I seriously doubt Congress will honor the administrations request to stop buying the F-15EX after FY24. Another 20-40 EX's are probably on the cards beyond the 80 the admin currently wants to have.

So they buy 80 and that leaves how many available? Basically a useless quantity, but Boeing makes a few billion along the way.

 

[sferrin]

My understanding is that these proposals come from the Air Force, not the White House. If they want more money, then it is the legislative branch that controls the purse, not the executive. So I think your post comes with some...strings attached...

I am hearing the exact opposite and have had private conversations with a couple of reporters also chasing this angle and they seem to be in sync with the decision being driven by FYDP and beyond spending and the current SecAF wanting to prioritize F-35A over F-15EX. It has already been reported that Kendall wanted to outright cancel the EX and this was brought up during a 4/27 HASC hearing as well. The AF in its FYDP ramps up F-35A annual procurement as soon as it stops buying F-15EX's and that is also in sync with when the bulk of the Increment 2 F-35 Block IV hardware changes (EW apertures etc) are expected to be cut in and begin testing. So this is very much an admin driven decision..and we should expect the services UPL next year to pehaps even reflect additional long lead funding for FY25 and beyond EX's.

They've already basically cancelled the EX

They haven't "cancelled" the EX in any shape or form. It's still a close to $10 Billion program for ANG fleet modernization. With annual orders being 24 for FY-23, and 24, it gives the Air Force (through UPL) or Congress a good middle ground to get a couple of years of additional procurement funded in FY-25 and 26 which basically gets them very close to the original desired quantity to recap the F-15C fleet.

Unless NGAD is already in EMD and expected to be in LRIP around 2026-2027, I seriously doubt Congress will honor the administrations request to stop buying the F-15EX after FY24. Another 20-40 EX's are probably on the cards beyond the 80 the admin currently wants to have.

So they buy 80 and that leaves how many available? Basically a useless quantity, but Boeing makes a few billion along the way.

"Useless"? More the most other F-15 customers.

 

[bring_it_on]

They haven't basically cancelled the F-15EX, and 80 isn't a useless quantity (not that its set in stone).

 

[aonestudio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1547946505574633479

View: https://twitter.com/ValerieInsinna/status/1547946505574633479

 

[FighterJock]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1547946505574633479

View: https://twitter.com/ValerieInsinna/status/1547946505574633479

F-15EX Eagle 2 below $80M per copy? That is not bad when compared to the cost of the F-22 and F-35A when bought new.

 

[TomcatViP]

It's also 33% less than a Rafale (without Block upgrade) and 20% less than a Typhoon for a larger, generally more capable aircraft.
It stands probably at 20M$ more than a J-10, something not bad for a vastly superior airframe.

You have to wonder what could have been the price of an F/A-18X (classical)!

 

[FighterJock]

It's also 33% less than a Rafale (without Block upgrade) and 20% less than a Typhoon for a larger, generally more capable aircraft.
It stands probably at 20M$ more than a J-10, something not bad for a vastly superior airframe.

I did not know that the F-15EX Eagle 2 was 33% less than a Rafale and 20% less than a Typhoon, not bad going when you have to consider that the F-15 is getting on to being nearly 50 years old and is the only fighter in the world to get over 100 to 0 air to air kills.

 

[Manuducati]

Just a couple observations:

It seems that this relatively low price does not include the electronic defense suite, the podded sensors and other costs (after cross checking with the foreign F-15 thread, TomcatVIP has already shared the link).

Air Force's math on the F-15EX and F-35 doesn't add up - Breaking Defense

In a new op-ed, JV Venable of the Heritage Foundation goes deep on Air Force budget figures to answer the question of which is more expenses, the F-35A or F-15EX.

breakingdefense.com

Also the price paid by the Air Force is different from what a foreign country would have to pay for it.
So comparing those numbers with the price of other fighters on the export market is misleading IMHO.

 

[FighterJock]

Also the price paid by the Air Force is different from what a foreign country would have to pay for it.
So comparing those numbers with the price of other fighters on the export market is misleading IMHO.

So there has been some fiddling with the numbers by Boeing to make the F-15EX Eagle 2 appear to be attractive.

 

[TomcatViP]

Well last time I checked EPAWSS was a rough 10M$ supplement. But it's an evolutionary system, contracted for some upgrade instead of being a Block fix cost (what I understand).

Please read Teal group take on the subject:

F-15EX Electronic Warfare Systems to Surpass F-35 in Capability – and Funding? - Teal Group

With Boeing F-15EX Eagle II procurement now doubled in the Pentagon’s FY23 defense budget request and F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)

www.tealgroup.com

Now, when Boeing announced their EX price without EWPASS, at that time, numbers were slightly (marginally) different. So it belongs to the best journalist among the readers to get an update on that. But, IMOHO, to this day, @Manuducati stands right.

 

[TomcatViP]

Installs Begin on Production EPAWSS for F-15Es | Air & Space Forces Magazine

Boeing has begun installing the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) on F-15Es at the company’s San Antonio facilities.

www.airforcemag.com

Upgraded version also expected to enter service past the 60th installation.

F-15E are also upgraded (video includes an arrested landing of a C model) :

View: https://youtu.be/xZ-faTm71-Y

 

[jsport]

Air Force's math on the F-15EX and F-35 doesn't add up - Breaking Defense

In a new op-ed, JV Venable of the Heritage Foundation goes deep on Air Force budget figures to answer the question of which is more expenses, the F-35A or F-15EX.

breakingdefense.com

 

[jsport]

Despite cuts, HH-60W and F-15EX not at risk of 'critical' budgetary breach, cancellation - Breaking Defense

The Air Force announced major cuts for both programs as part of the fiscal 2023 budget release.

breakingdefense.com

 

[aonestudio]

BAE Systems accelerates electronic warfare system production for F-15E and F-15EX Eagle fighter jets

BAE Systems has received a contract from Boeing to produce additional Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability Systems (EPAWSS) for U.S. F-15E and F-15EX Eagle aircraft – providing state-of-the-art situational awareness and self-defense capabilities.

www.baesystems.com

F-15 EPAWSS Program Begins Low-Rate Initial Production Installations on F-15E Aircraft

The U.S. Air Force F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (F-15 EPAWSS) program achieved a major milestone on July 19, 2022, when Boeing began installing the Electronic Warfare

www.acc.af.mil

 

[datafuser]

https://samm.dsca.mil/policy-memoranda/dsca-22-74



MEMORANDUM FOR :

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COST AND ECONOMICS, DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE (ATTN: ALAN J. LAVERSON, SAF/FMCE)
DIRECTOR, DEFENSE FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICE, INDIANAPOLIS, IN

SUBJECT :

Establish Special Nonrecurring Cost for Japan for Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability F-15 System (EPAWSS) AN/ALQ-250, DSCA Policy Memo 22-74

REFERENCE :

1. Establish Special NC Request for DSCA Policy Memo 22-74, dated April 14, 2022

The attached Finding, approves the nonrecurring cost (NC) recoupment pro rata charges for the sale, coproduction, or licensed production of the items shown on the Finding table. The NC charges listed in the Finding will be provided in Appendix 1 of the automated version of the Security Assistance Management Manual (SAMM) found on the DSCA Web Page.

Unless waived, the DoD NC recoupment charge is required to be reimbursed to the Department of Defense within 30 days following delivery or purchaser acceptance (whichever comes first) of each item sold or produced; and the recoupment will be recorded under DSCA(Q) 1112 Report. In accordance with the Arms Export Control Act, any country requesting a waiver of NC charges must request the waiver in writing prior to finalization of the purchase, if it is to be approved.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact: Ms. Yvette Chandler, DSCA (Office of International Operations, Global Execution Directorate, Assistance & Monitoring Division (IOPS/GEX/AMD)), (703) 697-9445; e-mail: yvette.d.chandler.civ@mail.mil or Ms. Paulina Pentz, IOPS/GEX/AMD, (703)697-9825; e-mail: paulina.c.pentz.civ@mail.mil.

Earle L. Kirkley, III
Deputy Assistant Director for Global Execution
Office of International Operations

ATTACHMENT :
As stated

FINDING :

In accordance with DoD Directive 2140.02, dated May 22, 2018, I hereby approve nonrecurring cost (NC) recoupment pro rata charges for the sale, coproduction, or licensed production of the Major Defense Equipment shown below:

CATEGORY - XI MILITARY ELECTRONICS​

ITEM DESCRIPTION	NSN/MASL	PREVIOUS NC CHARGE	NC CHARGE
Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability F-15 System (EPAWSS) AN/ALQ-250	58AN250EPAWSS	$2,940,151.00	$1,868,224.00

This NC recoupment charge is effective immediately.

Earle L. Kirkley, III
Deputy Assistant Director for Global Execution
Office of International Operations

 

[Grey Havoc]

Air National Guard Raises Concerns About Reduced F-15EX Fleet | Aviation Week Network

The proposal to truncate the U.S. Air Force’s buy of Boeing F-15EXs could mean the Air National Guard does not have enough new aircraft to replace its aging F-15C/Ds that need to be replaced.

aviationweek.com

 

[Grey Havoc]

Air National Guard Raises Concerns About Reduced F-15EX Fleet | Aviation Week Network

The proposal to truncate the U.S. Air Force’s buy of Boeing F-15EXs could mean the Air National Guard does not have enough new aircraft to replace its aging F-15C/Ds that need to be replaced.

aviationweek.com

 

[bobbymike]

Air National Guard director wants boost to F-15EX buy - Breaking Defense

“Some people are still looking at this as a 1970s-technology aircraft. It is not,” Lt. Gen. Michael Loh, head of the Air National Guard, said of the F-15EX.

breakingdefense.com

 

[TomcatViP]

Report to Congress on the Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program - USNI News

The following is the Oct. 11, 2022, Congressional Research Service report: Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program. From the report On March 11, 2021, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its first F-15EX Eagle II fighter. The original Eagle II program was intended to deliver 144 aircraft to...

news.usni.org

 

[Dreamfighter]

View attachment 685593

Report to Congress on the Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program - USNI News

The following is the Oct. 11, 2022, Congressional Research Service report: Air Force F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Program. From the report On March 11, 2021, the U.S. Air Force took delivery of its first F-15EX Eagle II fighter. The original Eagle II program was intended to deliver 144 aircraft to...

news.usni.org

"Planned Total Quantities

The F-15EX program currently plans to deliver 80 aircraft (*): 2 funded through R&D, 6 through existing F-15 budget lines, and 72 through a dedicated F-15EX budget line."
"The program originally planned to procure 144 aircraft; however it changed its plan with the FY2023 budget request. The F-15EX program is a middle-tier acquisition program but is expected to become a Major Defense Acquisition Program following the establishment of an Acquisition Program Baseline, which will declare the total number of aircraft included in the program. That total is not yet known, in part because the Air Force has yet to decide its desire for Eagle IIs to replace the current F-15E Strike Eagle fleet in addition to the planned F-15Cs."

(*): 2+6+(3x24) = 80


"Annual Quantities

The FY2023 Air Force budget request included a request to procure 24 F-15EXs in FY2023. Figure 2 (**) shows F-15EX procurement quantities authorized through FY2020, requested procurement quantities for FY2021, and projected requests through the FYDP.
The figures in the table do not include two aircraft procured with research and development funding."

(**): 2+(1x12)+(2x24) = 62

 

[Grey Havoc]

US to withdraw permanent F-15 fighter force from Okinawa (ft.com, subscription or registration may be required)

The US air force plans to replace its entire fleet of F-15 fighter jets based in Okinawa, Japan, with a “rotational” force, a shift that some American and Japanese officials worry will send a dangerous signal to China about deterrence.

The air force intends to retire two squadrons of ageing F-15 Eagles that have been permanently based in Okinawa, according to six people familiar with the situation. The decision has triggered alarm in some parts of the Japanese government and the Pentagon because the air force does not intend to replace them with a permanent presence in the near term.

The move will involve half of the roughly 100 air force fighters in Japan and is part of a modernisation programme. Critics are concerned about possible gaps that could weaken the ability to deter China. “The message to China is the US is not serious about reversing the decline in its military forces,” said David Deptula, a retired F-15 pilot and former vice-commander of US Pacific Air Forces who blamed years of under-investment for a lack of aircraft. “This will encourage the Chinese to take more dramatic action.”

The air force plans to send fifth-generation F-22 fighters from Alaska to Okinawa’s Kadena, a critical air base in the region, for a six-month rotation after the F-15s’ departure from the base next year. But several people said the force had not worked out future rotations, which raised concerns about possible gaps.

The air force said it could not discuss the plan for security reasons, but Ann Stefanek, the air force’s spokesperson, said it would “continue to maintain readiness in support of our US-Japan alliance, which is a cornerstone for security in the Indo-Pacific”. US Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees US forces in Asia, did not comment. Japan’s defence and foreign ministries did not comment.

[snip]

This seems rather unwise, to say the least...

 

[batigol]

Rotating deployments of F-22s and F-35s sounds like an upgrade to me, considering the F-15 is increasingly outgunned by newer PLAAF threats. Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

 

[Grey Havoc]

Given the serious shortage of F-22 airframes available, among other things, I'm not very optimistic.

 

[Flyaway]

Rotating deployments of F-22s and F-35s sounds like an upgrade to me, considering the F-15 is increasingly outgunned by newer PLAAF threats. Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

Well we can guess now where some of these older F-15s may end up.

 

[isayyo2]

Rotating deployments of F-22s and F-35s sounds like an upgrade to me, considering the F-15 is increasingly outgunned by newer PLAAF threats. Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

Well we can guess now where some of these older F-15s may end up.

From reading the above articles it sounds like the airframes are nearly timed out and will be heading to the Boneyard soon?

 

[Flyaway]

Rotating deployments of F-22s and F-35s sounds like an upgrade to me, considering the F-15 is increasingly outgunned by newer PLAAF threats. Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

Well we can guess now where some of these older F-15s may end up.

From reading the above articles it sounds like the airframes are nearly timed out and will be heading to the Boneyard soon?

So where are they going to get them from I wonder.

 

[NMaude]

Is the F-15EX going to get a proper suffix because "EX" is non-standard perhaps instead F-15X or F-15T?

 

[Forest Green]

Type-R

 

[TomS]

Is the F-15EX going to get a proper suffix because "EX" is non-standard perhaps instead F-15X or F-15T?

No. EX is official.

F-15EX Eagle II unveiled as newest fighter

Lt. Gen. Duke Richardson, Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics military deputy, presented the F-15EX Eagle II during an unveiling and naming

www.af.mil

 

[NMaude]

It maybe official but it is not standard.

 

[sferrin]

It maybe official but it is not standard.

Neither is B-21, F-35, etc.

 

[TomS]

It maybe official but it is not standard.

Welcome to the pain of the MDS. Non-standard is the new standard.

Allocation of Official Aerospace Vehicle MDS Designations

I've almost stopped being annoyed by how often leadership throws away the rules on things like this. Almost.

 

[Archibald]

Rotating deployments of F-22s and F-35s sounds like an upgrade to me, considering the F-15 is increasingly outgunned by newer PLAAF threats. Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

Well we can guess now where some of these older F-15s may end up.

From reading the above articles it sounds like the airframes are nearly timed out and will be heading to the Boneyard soon?

If those F-15s are worn out, make some sense to withdraw them and replace them by something newer and fresher.
The logic would be (in that order)
- F-35s, because they are new, stealth, and plentiful
- F-15EXs, because they are new, and would replace F-15s with F-15s
- F-22s: best of the lot (stealth + "official" F-15 successor) but not enough of them.

And then there is this.

Also consider that Kadena is easily ranged by every Chinese cruise and ballistic threat. The bigger concern here is the future survivability of any pred-eployed US asset within the 1st island chain.

So replacing "permanent basing" by "rotations" might not be a bad idea.

Bottom line: replacing permanent-based worn-out F-15C by rotations of either F-15EX or F-35s is not that bad an idea.
If F-15EX, ground crews are familiar with them, at least partially.
if F-35: not familiar, but better against the Chinese (stealth).
if F-22s can be scrounged and rotated to Kadena: best of F-15 & F-35 altogether, but not enough of them.

 

[Josh_TN]

US to withdraw permanent F-15 fighter force from Okinawa (ft.com, subscription or registration may be required)

This seems rather unwise, to say the least...

I think two things are driving the decision: the age of the F-15C/D fleet (this is AFAIK the last active unit to use the type) and the fact that permanent basing of formations within the PRCs ballistic missile footprint is seen as being too predictable. Previous to a couple years ago, there was a standard six month detachment of bombers to Guam. Apparently now bombers are moved around unannounced to several different airfields for a varying amount of time as a way of being less predictable about aircraft positions. In the short term F-22s from Alaska are slated to do a deployment. Long term I'd hope they would base F-35s or F-15EXs (if more are bought) - the F-15E/EX and F-35 fleets are less maintenance intensive and more replaceable assets. Putting F-22s within SRBM range seems like a bad Day1 idea given how few there are and how intense any initial bombardment would be likely be.

 

[batigol]

US to withdraw permanent F-15 fighter force from Okinawa (ft.com, subscription or registration may be required)

This seems rather unwise, to say the least...

I think two things are driving the decision: the age of the F-15C/D fleet (this is AFAIK the last active unit to use the type) and the fact that permanent basing of formations within the PRCs ballistic missile footprint is seen as being too predictable. Previous to a couple years ago, there was a standard six month detachment of bombers to Guam. Apparently now bombers are moved around unannounced to several different airfields for a varying amount of time as a way of being less predictable about aircraft positions. In the short term F-22s from Alaska are slated to do a deployment. Long term I'd hope they would base F-35s or F-15EXs (if more are bought) - the F-15E/EX and F-35 fleets are less maintenance intensive and more replaceable assets. Putting F-22s within SRBM range seems like a bad Day1 idea given how few there are and how intense any initial bombardment would be likely be.

This is key IMO. Rotation of units, more roadway operations exercises, use of decoys, improved dispersion facilities and shelters should all be employed, not to mention increasing munitions stocks in theater as well as layered base air defenses (not holding my breath on the latter). I am positive the Chinese would not make the same mistakes Russia has made in Ukraine in a hypothetical airbase suppression & denial campaign across the first island chain.

With the USAF practicing Agile Combat Employment doctrine, it seems the USAF is slowly adapting the reality of the situation. I don't know enough about the JASDF's contingency plans but they have participated in ACE exercises lately.

 

[isayyo2]

Boeing’s $14 Billion Indonesia Jet Deal Stalls Over Financing​

Or alternatively, Boeing won't barter Palm Oil for jets

BNN Bloomberg – Canada Business News, TSX Today & Interest Rates

Get the latest Canadian business news, TSX updates, interest rates and Bank of Canada coverage. Explore stock market investing and get expert financial insights on investment portfolio strategies.

www.bnnbloomberg.ca

 

[Umigami]

Boeing’s $14 Billion Indonesia Jet Deal Stalls Over Financing​

Or alternatively, Boeing won't barter Palm Oil for jets

BNN Bloomberg – Canada Business News, TSX Today & Interest Rates

Get the latest Canadian business news, TSX updates, interest rates and Bank of Canada coverage. Explore stock market investing and get expert financial insights on investment portfolio strategies.

www.bnnbloomberg.ca

We're using FMS scheme, no palm oil needed.

 

[TomcatViP]

F-15EX undergoes acoustic testing

First time in more than 40 years an F-15 went through sound testing. First time ever for the GE-129 engines.

www.aftc.af.mil