F-15 Modernization
Abstract
F-15 Modernization development efforts continue the weapon system's evolution in support of the National Defense Strategy (NDS), ensuring the fleet can meet urgent and future capability needs, as well as compliment 5th-generation aircraft by bringing substantial capacity for long-range fires, sensors, and electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. The programs below provide the F-15 fleet with electronic protection (EP) improvements, electronic attack (EA) improvements, advanced capabilities, threat and vulnerability mitigation, continued nuclear mission certification, and integration of new and upgraded weapons. Operational Flight Program (OFP) funding provides for ongoing software and hardware upgrades needed to meet and defeat emerging threats; integrate new and changing weapons, offensive and defensive avionics capabilities, and sensor capabilities; and support nuclear certification and aircraft subsystems. Funds also provide for resolution of emerging safety of flight issues, technology insertion, training system updates, and compliance with Federal, Department of Defense, or Air Force mandates that are necessary to ensure continued aircrew safety and mission effectiveness. Funds may also help resolve diminishing manufacturing sources issues. In 2023, the OFP program transitioned to a Continuous Development and Integration (CD&I) approach to deliver annual software releases via agile development techniques. This approach has already demonstrated the ability to combat the speed of adversary technology evolution and ensure the F-15 fleet maintains a competitive advantage. At any one time there will be up to three OFP upgrades in work: one in requirements definition, one in code writing and test, and one in flight test and release preparation. In FY 2025, the OFP budget request is restored to pre-FY 2024 levels given OFP's criticality to the F-15 fleet's future. Flight Test funding supports ongoing F-15 Modernization by providing baseline infrastructure and personnel support for developmental test (DT) and operational test (OT) operations. In FY 2025, the Flight Test budget request includes funds for upgrading test jets to meet DT & OT requirements. Radar Enhancements (RE) will continue the upgrade for digital Active Electronic Scanned Array (AESA) radar capabilities to counter sophisticated electronic threats and provide other capability improvements. OFP updates are required to ensure radar EP and EA improvements, and advanced capabilities, are seamlessly integrated into the F-15 fleet. Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system provides air to air detection, tracking, and ranging capabilities in a radar-contested environment. Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS-JTRS) integrates a new Link 16 system that complies with an National Security Agency (NSA) mandate on cryptographic modernization and a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate on frequency remapping. The FAA mandate requires all fielded Link-16 terminals incorporate the frequency re-mapping capability by 2025. Data Transfer Module II (DTM II) is an upgraded replacement for the existing low-memory data transfer system. This system improves and supports mission planning capability and weapons employment, increases storage, replaces the aging mapping system, updates interfaces, provides data encryption, and delivers improved cybersecurity. GPS M-Code / Resilient-Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation System (R-EGI) will provide enhanced Position, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) capabilities and improved resistance to existing and emerging threats to GPS, such as jamming and spoofing. Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN) will provide Satellite Communications (SATCOM) capable Air Force F-15 aircraft the ability to communicate on the MUOS constellation in support of a NORTHCOM Airspace Control Alert (ACA) requirement. SATURN will replace the Have Quick II and comply with the NSA lease key mandated dates.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2025
- Source ID
- 676020_0207134F_7_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: F-15E Squadrons
- Child Accomplishment: Operational Flight Program (OFP) Development Efforts
- Child Accomplishment: Flight Test
- Child Accomplishment: F-15 Radar Enhancements (RE)
- Child Accomplishment: F-15 Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
- Child Accomplishment: F-15 Multifunctional Information Distribution System - Joint Tactical Radio System (MIDS JTRS)
- Child Accomplishment: F-15E Data Transfer Module II
- Child Accomplishment: GPS M-Code / R-EGI
- Child Accomplishment: Mobile User Objective System (MUOS)/Second Generation Anti-Jam Tactical UHF Radio for NATO (SATURN)
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