Boeing is looking into a transformative upgrade for its F-15EX Eagle II, which could turn it into an electronic warfare (EW) powerhouse similar to the US Navy’s EA-18G Growler.
Rob Novotny, Boeing’s business development lead for the F-15, revealed to Breaking Defense at the recently opened 2024 Farnborough International Airshow that the company is evaluating whether the F-15EX could assume a Growler-like role.
With the Growler’s production set to end in 2027, Boeing sees a strategic opportunity to adapt the F-15EX to fill this crucial gap.
Redefining Stealth and EW Capabilities
Boeing’s EA-18G Growler, a specialized variant of the F/A-18, has been a cornerstone of the Navy’s EW capabilities.
Back then, the Growler emerged as a necessity to replace the aging EA-6B Prowler, with its development and flight testing taking place in the early to mid-2000s.
After rigorous refinement, the Growler entered operational service with the US Navy in 2009, marking a significant leap in electronic warfare capabilities.
However, as the Growler line phases out, Boeing envisions leveraging the F-15EX’s advanced features to replicate and potentially exceed the Growler’s capabilities.
Novotny argues that “stealth” should encompass more than just low-observable coatings, focusing instead on the jet’s ability to operate undetected and achieve objectives in contested environments.
“Stealth means, to me, I can go to a place where the enemy doesn’t want me to go, and I can operate in their environment, achieve my objective, and not be targeted,” Novotny told Breaking Defense.
Enhancing the F-15EX with Advanced EW Systems
Equipped with the BAE Systems-supplied Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), the F-15EX already boasts significant EW capabilities.
Boeing is considering expanding these features with additional jamming pods and subsystems, aiming to position the F-15EX as a versatile and formidable EW platform.
The F-15EX, the latest iteration of the revered F-15, achieved initial operational capability earlier this year with deliveries to the Air National Guard.
The first F-15EX fighter aircraft flies to Portland Air National Guard base, June 5, 2024. (DVIDS)
It is a modernized, next-generation version of the iconic F-15 fighter jet.
Designed to replace aging F-15C/D models, the F-15EX boasts advanced avionics, increased payload capacity (can carry around 29,500 lbs or 13,300 kg), and enhanced electronic warfare capabilities.
It serves as a potent air superiority fighter and offers a cost-effective platform for carrying large standoff weapons, both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
While not stealthy, the F-15EX provides a powerful complement to the F-22 and F-35 in the US Air Force’s fighter fleet with a maximum speed of up to 1,200 nautical miles (1,380 miles) at speeds reaching Mach 2.5, thanks to its Pratt & Whitney F110 engines.
At the recent Farnborough air show (which will be open to the public beginning Friday, July 26), Boeing showcased the F-15QA, a variant for Qatar, highlighting the jet’s versatility and advanced capabilities.
With ongoing global interest, including significant orders from Israel and Indonesia, Boeing is optimistic about the F-15EX’s future.
Adapting to Evolving Defense Needs
Novotny emphasized the heightened global focus on air superiority and dominance, driven by recent world events.
The F-15EX’s potential role in electronic warfare reflects Boeing’s commitment to adapting its offerings to meet evolving defense needs and capitalize on shifting market demands.
As the company continues to explore this innovative path, the F-15EX could emerge as a critical player in the next generation of air combat and electronic warfare.
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