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7 Things You Didn’t Know About the F-15EX – The New Superstar of Fighter Jets

The F-15EX is the latest offering in air superiority fighters, but did you know it includes surprises few are aware of? Here are seven aspects that make the F-15EX an extraordinary combat aircraft.

Mikkel Preisler
By Mikkel Preisler 2. July 2025

The F-15EX is the latest offering in air superiority fighters, but did you know it includes surprises few are aware of? Here are seven aspects that make the F-15EX an extraordinary combat aircraft.

#7: A Direct Successor

The F-15EX is not just a new aircraft but a further development of the legendary F-15 Eagle, which first flew back in 1972. This means the EX version builds on decades of combat and operational experience from its predecessor.

#6: Can Carry Extremely Heavy Weapon Loads

The F-15EX has an incredible capacity for carrying weapons – in fact, up to 13.6 tonnes. This makes the aircraft one of the heaviest armed fighter jets in the world, while still maintaining high maneuverability in the air.

#5: Capable of Firing Hypersonic Weapons

One of the most exciting upgrades of the F-15EX is its ability to carry and fire hypersonic missiles. These weapons can fly more than five times the speed of sound, making the EX version a real threat against advanced enemy defense systems.

#4: Twice the Lifespan of its Predecessor

While the original F-15 was designed with a lifespan of about 8,000 flying hours, the F-15EX can fly up to 20,000 hours. This increase in lifespan provides the aircraft with significantly lower maintenance costs over the long term.

#3: Advanced Digital Cockpit

The F-15EX has replaced traditional instruments with advanced digital displays and touchscreens, which enhance pilots’ ability to quickly process information in combat, significantly increasing the chance of successful missions.

#2: Fully Automated Safety System

Another important addition is the automated safety system “Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System” (EPAWSS). This system automatically protects the aircraft against threats from radar and missiles using electronic countermeasures.

#1: Capable of Controlling Drones in Flight

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the F-15EX is the ability to control and coordinate smaller drones in the combat zone. This means the pilot can manage an entire fleet of drones, significantly increasing efficiency and safety during advanced missions.

Our team may have used AI to assist in the creation of this content, which has been reviewed by our editors.