US Air Force Slashes F-15EX Eagle II Fleet Size Amid Budget Constraints
The U.S. Air Force is significantly reducing its planned procurement of the F-15EX Eagle II fighter as part of its Fiscal Year 2025 budget request. The total planned fleet is being cut from 144 aircraft to just 98. This decision stems from budgetary pressures and the need to reallocate funds to other modernization priorities, including the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program. The reduction means the Air Force will likely have to extend the service life of its older F-15C/D models. This move highlights the strategic challenge of balancing current fleet readiness with investment in future-generation combat aircraft.
Official Source: https://thedefensewatch.com/policy-strategy/us-defense-budget-f15ex-eagle-ii-fleet-replacement/