F-15EX

The F-15EX Program is a key Air Force initiative under Program Element (PE) 0207146F, focused on the research, development, test, and evaluation (RDT&E) of the F-15EX multirole fighter aircraft. The program's primary objective is to deliver a highly capable, modernized fighter platform to replace aging F-15C/D aircraft in both Air National Guard (ANG) and Air Combat Command (ACC) squadrons. The F-15EX is based on the two-seat F-15QA configuration and incorporates advanced technologies such as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) and the Continuous Delivery & Integration (CD&I) Operational Flight Program (OFP) software, enhancing survivability and mission flexibility.

A central goal of the F-15EX program is to ensure the aircraft can perform a broad spectrum of missions, including defensive and offensive counter-air operations, homeland defense, and strike missions in highly contested environments. The program supports Combatant Commanders (CCDRs) by providing strike packages capable of operating in environments with advanced threats. The FY 2026 RDT&E budget request continues incremental development activities initiated in prior years and introduces new efforts, notably the Long-Range Kill Chain (LRKC) and Hybrid SATCOM (Beyond Line-of-Sight communications) capabilities.

Hybrid SATCOM is a new start in FY 2026, aiming to develop and integrate a multi-band satellite communication solution for the F-15EX. This initiative leverages terminal and aperture capabilities from the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS) program to eliminate duplication of effort, optimize capability delivery, and ensure alignment with the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Battle Network architecture. Development activities include non-recurring engineering and integration efforts to incorporate multi-band apertures and terminals into aircraft systems, along with software modifications to enable seamless data sharing and interoperability.

F-15EX capability development continues with a focus on integrating LRKC weapons and enhancing long-range strike capabilities against time-sensitive or heavily defended targets. In FY 2025, the program conducted Follow-On Operational Test & Evaluation (FOT&E) for new capabilities on Lot 2 and Lot 3 aircraft, including anti-jam GPS, advanced communications, and cybersecurity testing. FY 2026 efforts will maintain cybersecurity test events, continue integration and software development, and support the merging of F-15EX-unique software into the common F-15 OFP. Upgrades to training systems and systems integration labs for F-15EX-specific capabilities are also ongoing.

The program's acquisition strategy transitioned from the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Pathway to the Major Capability Acquisition (MCA) Pathway in September 2022. This transition enables procurement of additional aircraft lots and supports rapid fielding to meet urgent recapitalization needs. Aircraft and engine acquisitions utilize delivery order contracts with annual procurement orders, and government-furnished equipment such as engines and radars are provided to the prime contractor. RDT&E activities are primarily contracted through these delivery order mechanisms, ensuring efficient integration and testing of new capabilities.

Budgetary adjustments in FY 2026 reflect both increases and reductions in specific areas. The request supports LRKC development and other advanced capabilities, and includes civilian pay expenses to support program management and execution. Reductions in personnel and advisory services are aligned to executive orders promoting government efficiency and workforce optimization. The program also accounts for mandatory funding obligations and progress payment withholds, which may affect traditional expenditure benchmarks but are designed to ensure fiscal discipline and contract performance.