With next-generation technology and the capacity to carry cutting-edge hypersonic weapons, the F-15EX aircraft is equipped to be a key fighter that can destroy multiple enemy aircraft simultaneously, beyond visual range and before detection.

The F-15EX Eagle II is a new variant of the reliable F-15 fighter, with improved maneuverability, durability and digital backbone, as well as a greater capacity to carry superior air-to-air missile armaments, making it a key element of a tactical fighter fleet.

Boeing developed the F-15EX as a ready replacement for the F-15C, the iconic twin-engine fighter. The F-15 jets have been a highly successful part of the US Air Force since the mid-1970s.

The F-15 Eagle is one of the most popular fighter jets employed by nations around the world. More than 1,500 F-15's have been assembled since production was approved in 1976.

Hundreds of F-15 variants operate in the Middle East, including in Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Over the years, improvements have brought more air-to-ground capability for the fighter jets.

Recent upgrades have stronger airframes and more advanced sensors, processors and flight control systems, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The latest iteration of the highly successful F-15 Eagle series builds upon the legacy of its predecessors while introducing several game-changing advantages for maneuverability, speed and payload.

Speed in flight and computing

The advanced two-seater F-15EX features an all glass cockpit with a wide-area display that can display synthesized data. It can be operated by a single pilot or, for complex missions, by a pilot and a weapon systems officer.

Two F110-GE-129 engines power the F-15EX. It can fly at Mach 2.5 (2,686 km/hr), putting it among the fastest jets in the world. With a combat range of 1,272km, it can strike deep targets.

Its mission computer also has incredible speed. It has open mission systems (OMS) architecture with advanced battle management systems.

The OMS architecture allows it to operate independently or connect to a cloud network.

The aircraft has fly-by-wire flight controls and the APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array radar. The highly advanced radar gives it extended range and improved ability to track and engage multiple targets at longer ranges.

Best-in-class payload

But what might really set the F-15EX apart is its payload. One of the most striking advantages of the F-15EX is its missile carrying capability -- with the ability to haul almost 30,000 pounds (13,600kg) in advanced weapon stations.

It can carry an array of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, giving it versatility in combat scenarios.

Among the missiles that the F-15EX can carry: the AIM-9 Sidewinder missile known as FOX-2.

The FOX-2 is a supersonic, heat-seeking, air-to-air missile with a maximum range of 35km.

It has a long, successful history with the US military with an estimated 270 aircraft kills and various improvements made since the 1950s.

The F-15EX can also carry new generation missiles, like the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs), also known as FOX-3. This new generation air-to-air missile has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range capability, and a speed of Mach 4.

The AMRAAM's active radar guides it to intercept a target beyond the visual range, at day or night and in a variety of weather conditions.

This enables the pilot to aim and fire several missiles at different targets at the same time. The missiles then guide themselves to their targets while the pilot can fly evasive maneuvers.

The newest next-generation missiles will further equip the F-15EX for success. It can carry the new AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), which is a cutting-edge beyond visual-range air-to-air missile with a longer range.

The AIM-260 JATM is expected to enter production this year.

The missile carrying capacity of the F-15EX significantly extends its operational range and effectiveness. It can fly at great speeds and engage multiple targets simultaneously, offering a significant advantage in modern air warfare.