![]() The F-15EX project emerged as a result of concerns over costs of the F-35 stealth fighter, which the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps are buying. The F-15EX will have new fly-by-wire flight controls, a new electronic warfare system and advanced cockpit systems and will be equipped for net-centric warfare. The F-15EX is based on the F-15E variants sold to Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the past decade.Īccording to the US Air Force, the F-15EX differs from its predecessors in having an open mission system architecture that allows ease of upgrades. While the F-15 was originally meant to be an air superiority fighter intended for air-to-air combat, a multirole variant, the F-15E Strike Eagle, emerged in the 1980s. According to Boeing, the F-15 has shot down over 100 enemy aircraft in conflicts across the world, without even once being shot down in aerial combat. The F-15 is considered the most accomplished air-to-air fighter in service today. The F-15EX is the latest derivative of the iconic F-15 fighter, which first flew in 1972. In February 2020, Boeing announced it had sought US government permission to offer the F-15EX to India. We have started doing that in a small way," Kanaglekar noted, adding conversations could continue at next week's Aero India air show in Bengaluru. "Now that we have the marketing licence, it allows us to talk to the Indian Air Force directly about the capability of the fighter. ![]() Boeing had already offered another fighter, the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet, to the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.Īnkur Kanaglekar, director, India Fighters Lead, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, told Reuters discussions on the F-15EX had taken place earlier between the two governments. On Thursday, US aerospace giant Boeing spiced up the narrative surrounding the 114 fighter tender by announcing it had received a US government licence to offer the Indian Air Force its most potent multirole fighter, the F-15EX. Given the purchase of 36 Rafale jets already and creation of infrastructure for it, the French fighter has been touted as a front-runner for an Indian Air Force contract for 114 fighter jets.Ĭompanies from Europe, Russia and the US have been competing for the 114-jet contract, which is estimated to be worth around $15 billion. The package deal, worth over Euro 5 billion, would include 36 more Rafale fighters, six aerial refuelling tankers and potential licence production of the Panther naval helicopter.Įver since the Narendra Modi government announced a decision to buy 36 Rafale fighters in 2015, additional orders for the multirole French fighter have been frequently discussed, given the Indian Air Force's depleting force levels. The first eight aircraft will cost $1.1 billion as part of a planned 144-aircraft program.Two weeks back, Air & Cosmos, a French aerospace magazine, reported the Emmanuel Macron government was preparing to offer India a 'package deal'. We are proud to power the Air Force’s most advanced F-15 fighter.” “This milestone reflects the teamwork and dedication focused on the capabilities of this outstanding fighter. “On behalf of the GE team, congratulations to Boeing and the United States Air Force on the first flight of the F-15EX,” said Shawn Warren, general manager, GE Large Combat & Mobility Engines. ![]() “Our customer can feel confident in its decision to invest in this platform that is capable of incorporating the latest advanced battle management systems, sensors and weapons due to the jet’s digital airframe design and open mission systems architecture.” According to Boeing, the F-15EX’s “digital backbone” means it can be used as a “testbed for future technology insertion, a key capability for the Air Force.” “Today’s successful flight proves the jet’s safety and readiness to join our nation’s fighter fleet,” said Prat Kumar, Boeing vice president and F-15 program manager.
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