The Air Force’s statements concerning the next year’s budget proposal suggest that the service is buying 31 additional F-15EXs on top of the existing order—bringing the total number to 150.
With global demands continuously on the rise, the US Air Force has decided to buy dozens of additional F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets.
The most advanced version of one of the most lethal fighter jets in aviation history, the F-15EX Eagle II presents a highly capable solution for a wide range of mission sets.
Why America Wants More F-15EX Fighters
In its Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, the Pentagon is asking for the necessary funds to purchase as many as 31 additional F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets. The Air Force has set aside $3 billion in its budget proposal for the procurement of the additional jets—each of which costs roughly $100 million, putting it on par with fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II.
According to a clarifying answer by the Air Force to a question from The War Zone, “The currently planned total for F-15EX is 129 aircraft. The total includes F-15EX funding within the draft Reconciliation bill.”
There has been some confusion with regard to the total number of F-15EX Eagle IIs the Air Force is looking to buy due to a recent announcement made by President Trump. Back in April, President Donald Trump announced that the Michigan Air National Guard’s 107th Fighter Squadron would replace its aging A-10 Thunderbolt II close air support aircraft with the F-15EX.
“As Commander-in-Chief, I’m proud to announce that very soon, we will replace the retiring A-10 Warthogs with 21 brand-new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets—the best in the world,” Trump said.
Before that announcement, the Air Force was planning to purchase 98 F-15EX Eagle IIs. The additional 21 fighter jets announced by Trump would bring the total number to 119. However, the Air Force’s statements concerning the next year’s budget proposal suggest that the service is actually buying 31 additional F-15EXs on top of the existing order—bringing the total number to 150.
Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, has already expanded production for the combat jet to accommodate the increased demand for the aircraft.
The F-15EX Eagle II vs. the A-10 Warthog
| Plane | Boeing F-15EX Eagle II | Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”) |
| Year Introduced | 2024 | 1977 |
| Number Built | 129 | 716 |
| Cost Per Unit | ~$100 million | $15-18 million (1980-90s) |
| Cost Per Flight Hour | ~$29,000 | ~$22,000 |
| Length | 63 ft 9.6 in (19.446 m) | 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m) |
| Wingspan | 42 ft 9.6 in (13.045 m) | 57 ft 6 in (17.53 m) |
| Weight (max takeoff) | 81,000 lb (36,741 kg) | 46,000 lb (20,865 kg) |
| Engines | Two General Electric F110-GE-129 afterburning turbofan | Two General Electric TF34-GE-100A turbofans |
| Top Speed | 1,650 mph (2,650 kph) at high altitude | 439 mph (706 kph) at sea level |
| Ferry Range | ~2,000 mi (~3,200 km) | 2,580 mi (4,150 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 60,000 ft (18,000 m) | 45,000 ft (13,700 m) |
| Loadout | 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan Gatling cannon; 4 wing pylons, 23 hardpoints, up to 30,000 lbs. munitions | 30 mm (1.18 in) GAU-8/A Avenger rotary cannon; 11 hardpoints; up to 16,000 lbs. munitions |
| Aircrew | 1 | 1 |
The Eagle II Is a Powerful Aircraft
The F-15EX Eagle II is a 4.5th generation multirole fighter jet that can conduct a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Air Force and Boeing intend for the aircraft to be able to hold its own against the most advanced 5th generation stealth fighter jets China or Russia will be able to field in the future. Accordingly, the fighter jet sports 5th generation sensors, avionics, and advanced weapons. Its electronic systems also allow it to operate effectively alongside 5th generation aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jets.
The EX Eagle II is based on the venerable F-15 aircraft, which has been in service since the 1970s. The platform is one of the most effective in aviation history, with more than 100 aerial kills and zero losses.
F-15EXs are already deploying around the world. In the F-15EX Eagle II, the Air Force likely sees a solid aircraft that can perform effectively against air and ground targets in a contested near-peer operational environment.
About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from the Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP.
Image: Shutterstock / Faizinraz.
