See What Makes the F-15 Eagle Indispensable in Modern Warfare

For over four decades, the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle and its subsequent variants have been a cornerstone of the US Air Force’s air superiority capabilities. While it once seemed the F-15 would be replaced by the next-generation F-22 Raptor, budget cuts, and program changes put a halt to that transition.

The F-22 program ended, and with it, the supply chain was reallocated to support the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. But despite these developments, the F-15’s legacy and relevance have remained intact.

The US Air Force’s fleet of fifth-generation fighters is relatively small and not nearly enough to fully replace the versatile F-15. As a result, the Air Force has committed to purchasing additional fourth-generation F-15s to replace those rapidly aging out of service.

So, what makes the F-15 so irreplaceable? Let’s dive in.

1 | The Fastest Fighter Jet in America’s Arsenal

While the F-35 often grabs headlines as the future of fighter aircraft, the F-15Cs and F-15Ds still hold the title for speed. The F-35 was built as a multirole aircraft with a focus on stealth and ground attack capabilities rather than air superiority, and it was never intended to be a dedicated dogfighter.

The F-15, however, was designed with one mission in mind: to engage and defeat the best Soviet fighters during the Cold War, and that legacy still holds today.

With a top speed just over Mach 2.5 (around 1,875 miles per hour), the F-15 far outpaces the F-35, which reaches a maximum speed of about 1,230 miles per hour. Even the F-22 Raptor, regarded as one of the most advanced fighters in the world, maxes out at Mach 2.2. This makes the F-15 not only one of the most capable air-to-air combat platforms in the sky, but also America’s fastest fighter jet.

2 | Exceptional Range and Endurance

One of the F-15’s standout features is its impressive range. While the US Navy faces challenges extending the operational reach of its carrier-based F/A-18 Super Hornets and F-35Cs, the F-15 enjoys a substantial advantage in this area. When flying with three external fuel tanks, the F-15 can cover around 3,000 nautical miles—about three times the range of its Navy counterparts.

The F-15’s ability to refuel in-flight further extends its reach, allowing the aircraft to remain in the fight for as long as the pilot and munitions hold out. This level of endurance is unmatched by most other fighter jets and gives the F-15 a significant advantage in long-duration operations.

3 | A Perfect Combat Record

Despite being in service for over 40 years and operating in multiple air forces around the world, the F-15 boasts a flawless combat record: no F-15 has ever been shot down in combat. This is especially impressive given that the F-15 doesn’t rely on stealth for protection, unlike the F-22 or F-35, which are designed to evade detection.

Without stealth capabilities, F-15 pilots have relied on superior tactics, speed, and skill to avoid enemy engagements or outmaneuver adversaries when necessary. Its performance in combat has been nothing short of exemplary, helping the F-15 secure its place as one of the most effective and reliable fighter jets in history.

4 | Versatility Across Multiple Roles

While the F-15 was originally designed as an air superiority fighter, its versatility has allowed it to perform a variety of roles. From ground attack missions to suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), the F-15 has been adapted to meet evolving mission requirements. In recent years, the F-15EX—an advanced variant of the F-15—has been integrated into the US Air Force with updated avionics, weapons systems, and an extended lifespan, further proving the F-15’s adaptability to modern combat scenarios.

The F-15EX also demonstrates the ongoing relevance of the platform, offering an affordable and reliable alternative to more expensive fifth-generation fighters while continuing to provide robust air superiority and multirole capabilities.

Final Thoughts

The F-15 Eagle is far from fading into history. With its unmatched speed, exceptional range, flawless combat record, and versatility, the F-15 remains one of the most formidable fighters in the world. Its continued relevance, bolstered by the latest upgrades and the introduction of the F-15EX, ensures that the F-15 will continue to be a mainstay in the US Air Force’s fleet for many years to come.

While fifth-generation fighters like the F-35 and F-22 steal the spotlight, the F-15’s legacy as the fastest, most enduring fighter jet in America’s arsenal is a testament to its unmatched design, engineering, and adaptability. Simply put, there’s no replacing the F-15—it remains America’s workhorse of air superiority.

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This piece was originally published in January 2020 and has been updated for clarity and accuracy.