F-15E Squadrons

Abstract

The F-15C continues to provide air superiority with an undefeated and unmatched aerial combat record. The F-15E retains this air superiority capability and adds systems, such as conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), advanced imaging and targeting systems, to meet the requirement for all-weather, deep-penetration, and night/under-the-weather, air-to-surface attack. Upgrades to F-15 aircraft are critical to maintaining combat viability (lethality, survivability, and supportability) in support of the National Defense Strategy. With newer F-15E aircraft projected to remain in service past 2040, avionics modernization is key to long-term weapon system viability. Major avionics upgrades include radar modernization (both hardware and software) and capability enhancements via precision timing, data delivery and processing technology, precision registration systems, display optimization, instrumentation digitization and modernization, central computer processing power increases, digital mission event recording systems, and an infrared (IR)-based fire control system. The proliferation of fourth-generation enemy aircraft and sophisticated "double-digit" anti-aircraft missile systems pose a significant threat to F-15 survivability. A fully integrated electronic warfare suite holds the promise of providing improved survivability as well as expanded electronic attack capability. Nearly all improvements are linked to an agile aircraft Operational Flight Program (OFP) software update schedule. OFP updates integrate and deploy new capabilities on an annual basis, as well as incorporate technology/equipment improvements for support equipment, mission planning systems, and training device upgrades which enhance performance, supportability, and aircrew training. Funds may be used to resolve issues among the F-15 fleet (e.g., emerging safety of flight issues and diminishing manufacturing sources), to accommodate technology insertion, and to fulfill Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or other mandates necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. This includes technical and acquisition-related studies to ensure F-15 lethality and survivability beyond 2040. The program office projects that development efforts for F-15 Infrared Search and Track (IRST), Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN), and Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) will complete with FY 2023 funding. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2023 3.498M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2024 1.524M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent fiscal year.

Document Details

• Document Type: R2 Budgetary Justification
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2025
• Source ID: 0207134F_7_3600_PB_2025
• Change Summary Explanation: FY 2023 adjustment due to -6.832M for Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR). FY 2025 increase is for OFP development and restoration of support funding for flight test aircraft.
• Service Agency Name: Air Force

Entities

Organizations

• United States Air Force

Tags

Readers

• Civilian Systems Systems Program Capability Development and Upgrade Support Activity Expense and Pay Management.

Technology Areas

• Microelectronics