F-15 EPAWSS

The F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) program, designated as PE 0207171F in the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on replacing the legacy F-15 Tactical Electronic Warfare System (TEWS). The TEWS, based on 1970s analog technology, has become functionally obsolete and increasingly difficult and expensive to sustain. The EPAWSS initiative aims to provide the F-15 fleet with a modern, digital electronic warfare suite capable of countering contemporary and emerging radar-based threats in complex radio-frequency (RF) environments.

The primary goal of the EPAWSS Development line item (Project 657108) is to complete the engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) of the new electronic warfare system. This includes hardware qualification testing, software integration, and initial operational test and evaluation. The system is designed to detect, identify, locate, and counter both ground-based and airborne RF threats, enhancing the survivability of F-15 aircraft in contested airspace. EPAWSS also incorporates electronic countermeasures such as jamming, chaff, and flares to defeat threats at the end-game phase of engagements.

The program is managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, with Boeing serving as the prime integrator responsible for overall aircraft-level performance and supplier selection. BAE Systems is a key subcontractor, tasked with developing the onboard electronic warfare subsystem, including both hardware and software components.

The acquisition strategy leverages mature and proven technologies to expedite fielding and minimize risk. Production decisions are tailored to accelerate initial operational capability and reduce schedule impacts related to hardware procurement.

In FY 2024, the EPAWSS program received RDT&E funding to finalize development activities. These efforts included hardware qualification, software integration, operational testing, and support for cyber controls and IT refreshes. No additional RDT&E funding is programmed for FY 2025 or FY 2026, as the development phase is scheduled to conclude, transitioning the program into full-rate production and fielding.

Related funding is provided through Aircraft Modification, Aircraft Spares and Repair Parts, and Other Production Charges. The Aircraft Modification line supports the installation of EPAWSS hardware on operational F-15E aircraft, with funding allocated in FY 2024 through FY 2026. The spares and repair parts line ensures sustainment and readiness of the upgraded systems, while other production charges cover ancillary costs associated with production and fielding.

The EPAWSS program is structured to meet validated operational requirements before entering full-rate production, with milestones and contract types designed to balance cost, schedule, and performance. The program transitioned from a Cost Plus Incentive Fee (CPIF) contract to a Firm Fixed Price contract for EMD, providing greater cost certainty. Progress payments and mandatory funding obligations are managed to align with traditional R&D expenditure benchmarks, although the fixed price structure may cause expenditure profiles to differ from typical R&D programs.