F-15EX

The F-15EX AP (Aircraft Procurement, Air Force) program is a major line item in the Department of Defense budget focused on the procurement of the F-15EX fighter aircraft for the United States Air Force. The primary goal of the program is to acquire a new, advanced multirole-capable fighter jet based on the two-seat F-15QA (Qatar) configuration, upgraded with modern systems such as the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) and the USAF F-15 Continuous Delivery & Integration (CD&I) Operational Flight Program (OFP) software. The F-15EX provides significant operational flexibility, supporting both defensive and offensive counter-air missions, homeland defense, and operations in highly contested environments.

The objectives for the F-15EX AP procurement line include the acquisition of airframes, engines, government furnished equipment (GFE), alternate mission equipment (AME), pilot gear, and support equipment. The program supports both Air Combat Command (ACC) and Air National Guard (ANG) squadrons, ensuring that active and reserve components have access to modern aircraft for homeland defense, domestic emergency response, and military support to civil authorities. In FY 2024, FY 2025, and FY 2026, the program plans to procure additional aircraft to meet operational needs.

The advance procurement line within the F-15EX AP program is designed to fund long-lead parts and materials necessary to maintain the production schedule for future aircraft lots. This includes components for the airframe, avionics, fuselage, wings, and subsystems. Advance procurement ensures that critical materials are available in time to support manufacturing and delivery timelines, reducing the risk of delays. No advance procurement is requested for FY 2026, as Lot 6 is the last planned production lot in the President's Budget Request.

Within the F-15EX AP cost structure, recurring costs are allocated for airframe production, engine procurement (two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines per aircraft), and the acquisition of AME such as pylons and conformal fuel tanks. GFE includes Raytheon APG-82 radars and multiple radios and components provided by the government. Support costs cover program office support, interim contractor support, logistics management, training devices, and unique support equipment required to field the aircraft at operational squadrons. Initial spares and depot activation are also funded to ensure operational readiness and sustainment.

The production and contract management for the F-15EX AP program is handled by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center (AFLCMC/WA), with Boeing (St. Louis, MO) as the airframe contractor and General Electric (Cincinnati, OH) as the engine supplier. Contracts for airframes and engines have been awarded annually, with option years included for up to nine lots. The negotiated values for Lots 4, 5, and 6 form the basis for inflation adjustments and future requirements. Production lead times are managed to ensure timely delivery, with advance procurement playing a key role in protecting the schedule.

Another important objective of the F-15EX AP program is to address Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) and obsolescence issues. Funding is allocated for bridge buys, life-of-type buys, and minor engineering efforts to mitigate risks associated with the availability of critical components. These activities help maintain production continuity and support long-term sustainment of the F-15EX fleet.