The F-15E Strike Eagle has undergone significant modernization to stay effective in contested environments while supporting the US Air Force's Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept.

Upgrades include the AN/APG‑82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system.

The Radar Modernization Program also adds a wideband radome, improved environmental controls and updated electronic warfare software.

The aircraft now carries the Eagle Passive/Active Warning Survivability System, the most advanced electronic warfare suite of its kind, enabling it to survive in modern threat environments.

Durability and flexibility make the fighter central to ACE, which helps US and allied forces generate combat power faster and fly more sorties in less time.

It can operate from remote airfields, landing, refueling, re-arming and taking off in rapid succession -- ideal for unpredictable missions.

Advanced design

The airframe's adaptability produced the Advanced Eagle family.

It began with the F‑15SA (Saudi Advanced), first flown in 2013, followed by the F‑15QA (Qatari Advanced), and now includes the F‑15EX Eagle II in US service.

In 2020, the US Air Force began procuring the F-15EX to replace aging F-15C/Ds and bolster air superiority forces.

Using the existing production line allowed the service to add fighters more quickly and at a lower cost.

The F-15EX also remains a future option to replace the F-15E.

Originally designed as an air‑superiority aircraft, the fighter evolved into a deep-strike platform.

Known for speed and payload capacity, it can engage targets with a wide range of munitions.

It mounts a 20mm M61A1 cannon and can carry AIM‑9 Sidewinder and AIM‑120 advanced medium range air-to-air missiles for counter-air missions.

For extended range, the fighter carries two conformal fuel tanks that fit along the fuselage, reducing drag compared to conventional drop tanks while adding 750 US gallons (2,800 L) of fuel and extra weapon stations.

Unlike drop tanks, they cannot be jettisoned, meaning greater range comes with extra drag and weight.