Air Force Receives New F-15Es Armed With Advanced Electronic Warfare

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Contributor

In a recent Senate subcommittee meeting on April 9, Frank Kendall, the Department of the Air Force Secretary and the department’s top military officials expressed their concerns about the United States’ ability to modernize and compete effectively against China amidst ongoing budget delays.

But the good news is that the U.S. Air Force is set to receive a new F-15E jet equipped with fresh electronic warfare technology in the summer of 2024. This development comes at a time when the United States is facing growing threats from both Russia and China, making the need for advanced electronic warfare capabilities more pressing than ever.

Maj. Alli Stormer, an Air Force spokesperson, mentioned that eight Boeing-manufactured F-15E fighter jets are undergoing modifications at the company’s San Antonio, Texas facility. 

New F-15E Electronic Warfare

The modifications involve the integration of the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), which enhances the F-15’s geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection capabilities. The EPAWSS is designed for future upgradability, reducing lifecycle costs through improved reliability, maintainability, and an extended service life.

The Pentagon expects the new F-15EX to cost about $90 million per copy. This is slightly higher than the expected cost of the F-35, which is projected to be about $80 million in 2020. However, the F-15E’s upgrade with EPAWSS represents a major advancement in electronic warfare capabilities, potentially offering a significant edge in future conflicts.

The F-15E jet is a versatile and powerful aircraft that has been in service with the U.S. Air Force since the 1980s. It is known for its long-range strike capabilities, making it ideal for electronic warfare missions. The new F-15E jet will be equipped with the latest electronic warfare technology, which will enable it to counter emerging threats in the electromagnetic spectrum.