The versatility of the F-15E Strike Eagle as a fighter capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions makes it a critical asset for the US Air Force (USAF)'s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.

The Strike Eagle is the fastest multirole fighter aircraft in the world, capable of reaching speeds above Mach 2.5 (3,000km/h). It boasts a range of 3,860km, one of the longest ranges of any fighter aircraft.

It is also known for its relatively high maximum takeoff weight of 37,000kg and its lofty flight ceiling of 18,300 meters.

The Strike Eagle is a versatile carrier of air-to-ground and air-to-air ordnance.

The aircraft has a 20mm multi-barrel gun loaded with 500 rounds.

It can carry four AIM-9 Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles and four AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) or a total of eight AIM-120 AMRAAMs.

The F-15E is also compatible with most of the air-to-surface weapons in the USAF arsenal.

The Strike Eagle is renowned for its ability to climb vertically shortly after takeoff. It was the first US operational aircraft to have engine thrust exceeding the plane's loaded weight, enabling it to accelerate while in vertical climb.

The fighter jet played a critical role earlier this year in defending Israel from a massive Iranian missile and drone barrage.

F-15E Strike Eagles from the USAF 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons intercepted 70 Iranian drones during the April 15 attack.

The attack included more than 100 ballistic missiles, 30 land-attack cruise missiles and 150 drones launched from Iran, the Houthi terrorist group in Yemen, and Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq.

US and Israeli officials said that 99% of the drones and missiles were intercepted.

Flexibility, viability

The F-15E can take off from and land on makeshift runways as short as 500 meters, enabling operations in austere conditions with limited infrastructure.

This key attribute, in addition to the F-15E's multirole versatility, makes the Strike Eagle the most reliable -- and critical -- aircraft for the USAF's ACE concept.

ACE, introduced in 2022, focuses on enhancing the flexibility, viability and combat power of the USAF. It calls for decentralizing operational power by dispersing units and capabilities across smaller bases.

It shifts the focus of battle into multiple, smaller engagements and operations supported by multirole fighters and land-attack aircraft.

The F-15E's ability to accept a variety of ordnance and fly long distances from small runways makes it an ideal, flexible aircraft for ACE.

In combat scenarios where primary runways are unavailable or operations require flights to remote locations, the F-15E is adaptable and operationally flexible.