Boeing’s New Plan for the F-15EX: Reinventing it for Electronic Warfare

In a development that could reshape the landscape of aerial combat, aerospace giant Boeing is reportedly considering transforming its cutting-edge F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet into a formidable electronic warfare platform.¹

Boeing sees a golden opportunity to fill the electronic attack void with its advanced F-15EX. As modern warfare increasingly demands dominance of the electromagnetic spectrum, could the F-15EX be poised to become the next game-changer in electronic warfare? 

A New Approach to Stealth

While the F-15EX may not boast the same low-observable characteristics as its fifth-generation counterparts, such as the F-22 and F-35, Boeing executives argue that the aircraft’s potential electronic warfare capabilities could redefine the concept of stealth. 

Rob Novotny, Boeing’s business development lead for the F-15, stated, “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.” 

Advanced Electronic Warfare Capabilities

The F-15EX already features advanced electronic warfare capabilities through its Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), which offers a wide range of instantaneous, full-spectrum electronic warfare functions. (ref)

These include radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection, enabling the aircraft to penetrate deep into contested airspace protected by modern integrated air defense systems. 

By further enhancing its capabilities with additional electronic warfare systems, the F-15EX could become a formidable force in the electromagnetic domain.

Performance & Payload

The F-15EX’s potential as an electronic warfare platform is bolstered by its impressive performance characteristics and payload capacity. 

With its ability to carry many missiles and other munitions, the aircraft could provide crucial support to stealth fighters like the F-35, offering additional firepower and electronic warfare capabilities in a complementary role.

Advanced Avionics & Future-Proofing

Moreover, the F-15EX’s advanced avionics, powered by the cutting-edge Advanced Display Core Processor II mission computer and the customized Operational Flight Program Suite 9.1X, ensure seamless interoperability with legacy F-15 variants. 

This compatibility, combined with the aircraft’s open systems architecture, facilitates the integration of future upgrades and electronic warfare systems, making the F-15EX an adaptable and future-proof platform.

International Appeal

As Boeing continues to seek international buyers for the F-15EX, the prospect of an electronic warfare variant could further enhance the aircraft’s appeal to potential customers. 

Countries like Israel, Poland, and Indonesia have already expressed interest in acquiring the F-15EX, recognizing its capabilities as a cost-effective alternative to the F-35 Lightning II.

New Market Opportunities

Developing an electronic warfare version of the F-15EX could open up new opportunities for Boeing in the global defense market. 

With electronic warfare’s increasing importance in modern conflicts, nations seeking to bolster their air combat capabilities may find the F-15EX’s potential as an electronic attack platform particularly attractive.

Exploring New Possibilities

While the concept of an F-15EX electronic warfare variant is still in its nascent stages, the potential implications for the future of aerial combat are significant. 

As Boeing continues to explore this exciting possibility, defense experts and military strategists will closely monitor the development of this groundbreaking project.

Shaping the Future of Warfare

The F-15EX’s journey from an air superiority fighter to a potential electronic warfare powerhouse underscores the ever-evolving nature of modern warfare. 

As the electromagnetic spectrum becomes an increasingly crucial battleground, the ability to dominate this domain could prove decisive in future conflicts. 

With its unique blend of performance, payload capacity, and advanced electronic warfare capabilities, the F-15EX may become the next game-changer in electronic warfare.

Source:

1. The National Interest