The F-15EX Eagle II fighter nightmare has begun for the US Air Force

The F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57, and J-20 are examples of fifth-generation fighters produced by the United States, Russia, and China.

-Compared to the F-35, the U.S. The Air Force’s upgraded fourth-generation F-15EX Eagle II jet is more expensive but less sophisticated.

-The F-22, considered the best, was sidelined in favor of the multirole F-35 due to budget cuts.

-The F-15EX, despite its upgrades, is seen as a costly step backward.

Boeing F-15EX for U.S. Air Force© Provided by National Interest

Summary and Key Points: The U.S., Russia, and China have developed fifth-generation warplanes like the F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, Su-57, and J-20.

-The U.S. Air Force’s F-15EX Eagle II, a modernized fourth-generation aircraft, is less advanced yet more

-The F-22, considered the best, was sidelined in favor of the multirole F-35 due to budget cuts.

-The F-15EX, despite its upgrades, is seen as a costly step backward.

F-15EX Eagle II: A Costly Step Backward in Air Power?

Opponents say that for more value and capabilities, the United States should focus on more sophisticated options or reinvest in the development of the F-22.

The competition of states and their interaction with geography is an aspect of modern geopolitics. This is related to the force multiplier effect of technology. The competition to create and implement new and better technologies is intensifying. It is never ending and unpredictable.

When it comes to air power, China, Russia, and the United States all have what they call “fifth-generation warplanes.”

Going Backward: The F-15EX Eagle II Fighter

Think of systems like the F-22 Raptor or F-35 Lightning II, Russia’s Su-57, or China’s Chengdu J-20 Mighty Dragon. Airframes such as the F-15 – even the newest rendition, the F-15EX Eagle II – are workhorses of the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal. But they are a generation behind the warplanes mentioned above.

There are considerable differences between the fourth and fifth generation warplanes, although many of the systems touted by military contractors as “next-generation” do not perform as promised. One such example is the F-22. There are many who speculate that the F-15EX benefits significantly from the price disparity. That would be wrong. When all things considered, the F-15EX Eagle II costs a lot more than the F-35.

Unlike the F-15EX Eagle II, which is a BlackBerry, the F-35 Lightning II is essentially a new iPhone. Although he is no longer competitive, he was excellent for his day. The F-15EX is not as capable or sophisticated as the F-35. However, at this point, it costs more than a fifth-generation fighter jet. The agenda Washington chose to support.

The F-35 has its share of problems and critics. Its stealth, ease of use and sophisticated control system enhance its speed and maneuverability during combat. Furthermore, its durability as a platform exceeds that of the more recent F-15EX Eagle II.

The F-22 is Still the Best Plane

And is the second fifth-generation warplane made in America. The largest fighter aircraft ever built. This is the F-22 Raptor, referred to in my previous writing as the “Michael Jordan of warplanes.”

The financial crises of 2008 came as the defense industrial base began to settle into a routine of producing the F-22 in a productive, cost-effective manner. Barack Obama believed that the F-35 was an excellent investment because it was a multi-role, international warplane and the F-22 was unnecessary when he took office in an effort to save costs.

However, the F-35’s shortcomings stem from the fact that its primary purpose at launch was to serve as a bomber, with the F-22s protecting the F-35 from air strikes. The F-35 is actually a multirole fighter. However, juggling multiple roles can be compared to being a master of none and jack of all trades. The primary objective of the F-22 is air superiority. Furthermore, the US Air Force needs a reliable, next-generation air superiority fighter in the multipolar era.

F-15EX Eagle II Isn’t Worth the Money

Restarting the F-22 production line, which was shut down by the Obama administration in 2009, may be a wise decision given the amount of money the Air Force is spending on the F-15EX.

Either way, the F-15EX Eagle II is a waste of money and effort. The F-15EX Eagle II is not as sophisticated as these two options. Instead of paying more for outdated but up-to-date systems, the US government should invest in them.

About the Author

Former congressional staffer and geopolitical analyst Brandon J. Weichert is a national security analyst for the National Interest and a contributor to The Washington Times, Asia Times, and Pipeline. He is the author of three books: The Shadow War: Iran’s Struggle for Hegemony, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower. A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine, his forthcoming book, will be available October 22 from Encounter Books.

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