F-15’s Next-Gen Electronic Warfare Suite Nears Deployment

The battlefield of tomorrow demands unprecedented levels of aircraft protection and situational awareness. 

The U.S. Air Force’s F-15 fleet is undergoing a transformative upgrade with the Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), developed by BAE Systems.

This revolutionary electronic warfare system represents a quantum leap in fighter aircraft protection, recently completing crucial operational testing and advancing toward full-scale deployment.

System Overview & Capabilities

At its core, the EPAWSS provides F-15 pilots with unprecedented awareness of electromagnetic threats while simultaneously offering advanced countermeasure capabilities.

One of the standout features of EPAWSS is its ability to provide instantaneous full-spectrum electronic warfare capabilities. This includes:

• Radar warning
• Geolocation
• Situational awareness
• Self-protection

These capabilities allow the F-15 to monitor, jam, and deceive threats in highly contested environments. 

Advanced Protection Features

The system employs cutting-edge digital technology to detect, identify, and counter threats across the electromagnetic spectrum. Unlike legacy systems, EPAWSS uses cognitive electronic warfare processing, leveraging artificial intelligence to adapt to emerging threats in real-time.

These are some of the advanced protection features it possesses:

• Radar warning receivers that detect and classify threats with unprecedented accuracy
• Sophisticated jamming capabilities that can counter multiple threats simultaneously
• Geolocation systems that provide precise threat positioning
• Digital countermeasure techniques that adapt to evolving enemy capabilities

Cognitive Electronic Warfare

A key aspect of EPAWSS is its use of AI-driven cognitive electronic warfare to rapidly adapt to changing threats. (ref)

This capability was put to the test during the Northern Edge 2023 exercise, where the system was challenged to process sensor data, create techniques, and optimize waveforms in real time against unencountered threats in an unpredictable electromagnetic environment.

Deployment Status & Timeline

The path to full deployment is progressing steadily, with significant milestones already achieved. The Air Force is currently retrofitting eight F-15E jets with EPAWSS at facilities in San Antonio, marking the beginning of a broader modernization effort.

The program has established clear timelines for full implementation:

• Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E) successfully completed
• First operational F-15E with EPAWSS expected by Summer 2024
• Full-rate production decision anticipated by late 2024
• Complete fleet integration projected through 2029

The Air Force has committed approximately $1.8 billion to this program, demonstrating its strategic importance in maintaining air superiority.

Strategic Impact

Modern air defense systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, but EPAWSS provides F-15 pilots with the tools needed to counter these threats effectively. The system’s ability to process and respond to multiple threats simultaneously gives pilots a decisive advantage in combat scenarios.

The program extends beyond just new aircraft integration. Approximately 218 F-15E Strike Eagles will receive the EPAWSS upgrade, while all new F-15EX Eagle II fighters will come equipped with the system as standard. 

Future Implications

As full deployment approaches, the F-15 fleet is positioned to maintain its edge in an increasingly complex battlespace. The system’s successful testing and ongoing implementation demonstrate the Air Force’s commitment to keeping its fighter fleet at the forefront of military technology.

For pilots, maintainers, and military planners, EPAWSS isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a revolution in electronic warfare capabilities that will shape air combat operations for decades to come.