The F-15EX Eagle II Fighter Might Be a Sales Hit for Boeing

About the Author: Boeing's F-15EX Eagle II is attracting interest from countries worldwide despite being a fourth-generation fighter without stealth capabilities. The aircraft offers increased weapons capacity, next-generation survivability, and modern software infrastructure, positioning it as a competitive warbird for the 21st century.

-Nations like Israel, Japan, Poland, and Saudi Arabia are considering or have already expressed interest in the F-15EX. While not a fifth-generation fighter, the F-15EX's proven combat record and adaptability to local needs make it an attractive option for global air forces.

-As Boeing faces challenges with other aircraft, the Eagle II could provide a much-needed boost.

Buyers Are Lining Up For the F-15EX

Aerospace giant Boeing hasn't exactly had what anyone paying even cursory attention to the aerospace sector would describe as "a good year." The company is facing a Federal Aviation Administration investigation to ensure the company "completed products conformed to its approved design and were in a condition for safe operation in compliance with FAA regulations," while Boeing was sanctioned by U.S. investigators in June.

In addition, while Boeing was able to finally close a deal with the United States Navy following a contract dispute over the final block of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, the aircraft maker has failed to find foreign buyers – meaning that by the end of the decade, production of the venerable multirole all-weather fighter will come to a close.

Yet, behind every gray cloud is a silver lining, and for Boeing that could be the F-15EX Eagle II, the modernized multirole variant of the combat-proven F-15 Eagle. National Defense magazine reported last November that Boeing has been "actively pitching the U.S. Force's new F-15EX to international customers by highlighting a host of new features." The new capabilities of the Eagle II included "increased weapons capacity, next-generation survivability and a modern software infrastructure." As the report further noted, citing company executives "The world is taking notice."

Though the F-15EX isn't a fifth-generation fighter and lacks stealth – it has been touted as still being a capable warbird up for the challenges of the 21st century. It is able to carry a full dozen missiles, a significant increase from the Cold War-era F-15 Eagle, which was able to carry eight air-to-air missiles. The added capacity in the weapons load was the result of new missile stations located toward the wing tips.

The Lucky Seven

Though the F-15EX was originally offered to the United States Air Force to replace its aging fleet of F-15 Eagles, Boeing has since sought those foreign buyers – and it does seem the world has taken notice. The U.S. is one of eight countries that could operate the aircraft.

According to a report from Simple Flying, the other nations that have expressed interest in the Eagle II include Israel, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and South Korea. Some of those nations may see the aircraft modified further to meet local needs.

As previously reported, NATO ally Poland is actually the seventh nation that could opt for the Eagle II, as Warsaw has been weighing options between the Boeing aircraft and the Eurofighter Typhoon. Though the latter aircraft has been widely adopted by NATO members, the edge could go to the Eagle II as engine maker Pratt & Whitney has stepped up by stating it would increase the engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) activities in Poland.

Beyond the Seven

Several other nations have also been named as potential Boeing F-15EX Eagle II customers. Topping the list is Egypt, and Cairo may be all the more likely to move forward with the Eagle II as there have been reports Algeria could adopt the Russian-made Sukhoi Su-57 (NATO reporting name Felon).

Indonesia and Thailand have been named as the other potential buyers of the Eagle II. Both operate the F-16 Fighting Falcon and while the latter now appears to be adopting Sweden's Saab JAS Gripen 39 instead of the latest block of F-16s. It was last year Washington rejected Bangkok's planned acquisition of the Eagle II and pushed it towards the F-16, but it is possible that the U.S. could change course again by offering the offering up the F-15EX – which does seem to be the fighter that the Royal Thai Air Force had truly wanted! Boeing needs another win, and this could be Washington's way of giving them one.

The F-15 Eagle II has arguably one of the best service records in history, seeing more than a hundred aerial victories and no losses in combat. That is a record that can't be beat, and could be a selling point for the Eagle II – so it is possible other buyers could be lining up, which will be music to Boeing's ears.

Author Experience and Expertise: Peter Suciu

Peter Suciu is a Michigan-based writer. He has contributed to more than four dozen magazines, newspapers, and websites with over 3,200 published pieces over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: Editor@nationalinterest.org.

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