Can The F-15EX Beat 5th-Gen Fighters?

After a series of accidents, catastrophes, and scandals, several brands in the modern era have lost as much public trust as quickly as the once-lauded Boeing company. Boeing now faces a significant uphill climb toward regaining the world’s faith and the confidence of American lawmakers.

Last month, the Pentagon’s Director of Operational Test and Evaluation released its extensive 2024 report, a nearly 500-page document outlining the testing, performance, and results of numerous defense systems, including Boeing’s enhanced F-15EX Eagle variant.

What Sets it Apart

The analysis of this fighter and its testing regime reflects the complex reality of warfare. In a world where discussions are usually dominated by stealth and with constant comparisons between the world’s 5th-generation fighters, and now sixth-generation programs in development, this half-century-old design jam-packed with 21st-century technology is more than just another 4th gen missile truck.

In fact, the Eagle II is capable enough to be operationally effective even against fifth-generation adversary aircraft in the air superiority role. According to the 2021 DOT&E report, the “F-15EX is operationally effective in all its air superiority roles.

In other words, the F-15EX seems to be proving that you can indeed teach an old dog new tricks. This is especially true if that old dog is the most dominant air superiority airframe of the entire 20th century.