Eagle II is on the rise
While Boeing's F-15EX completes the Integrated Test & Evaluation (IT&E) Phase-1, Poland is seriously beckoning for the latest Eagle.
The past period has seen busy times for the two USAF Eagle IIs. Both aircraft, 20-0001/ET (as "40FTS") and 20-0002/OT (as "53WG"), were recently validated by the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. To date only two F-15EXs have been delivered to the USAF. A third is now in the final stages of construction at Boeing's St. Louis (MO) assembly site.
During the latest tests, the Eagle II showcased the employment of the longest Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground standoff munitions in the Department of Defense combat inventory. The tests were executed during the 53rd Wing’s Weapons System Evaluation Programme (WSEP) which was led by a collaborative effort between the 83rd and 86th Fighter Weapons Squadrons.
At the beginning of 2023, Scramble Magazine wrote about the Eagle II firing its first Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM). Although no specific capabilities have been revealed, it was stated that the ultimate F-15EX validation consisted of an Air-to-Air dominance role loadout with twelve AMRAAMs simultaneously employing three AGM-158B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range (JASSM-ER) missiles.
As for Poland. The Polish military is about to spend a lot of money investing in modern military equipment. On 28 May 2023, Scramble Magazine wrote about Poland's Defence budget. The latest F-15EX validation tests come in conveniently. With the F-16C/D Fighting Falcons having already being delivered during the 2006-2009 period, it is expected that they will soon enter their mid-life. And than there is the Polish NATO niche. The Polish Air Force F-16 are equipped with the Goodrich DB-110 digital, real-time, tactical reconnaissance system. With the Soviet era Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-22 fighters being phased out and the, to be incorporated in the future, Lockheed Martin F-35A given other tasks, the F-15EX will surely fill in some capability gaps.
At this moment, the F-15EX IT&E Phase collected data will be analysed by the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center and Office of the Secretary of Defense Director of Operational Test and Evaluation for final reporting to steer a full rate production decision determination during the coming months. It is expected that besides Poland, more countries, such as Indonesia, will be opting for the Eagle II in the future.
To be continued....
Credit photo: USAF