According to information published by the Pentagon for fiscal year 2027, the United States would be interested in doubling its current fleet of F-15EX Eagle II fighter-bombers, increasing the capabilities of the Air Force. This decision is aimed at modernizing its capabilities and replacing older aircraft. The initiative is part of a broader context of increased military spending and adjustments in force structure to respond to current and future operational demands.
According to the budget proposal presented by the Pentagon, the U.S. Air Force plans to acquire a total of 267 F-15EX Eagle II aircraft in the coming years, more than double previous projections that contemplated 129 units. For fiscal year 2027, the service requested the purchase of 24 aircraft of this model, alongside the acquisition of other aerial systems.
The increase in the number of F-15EX responds to the need to sustain active production lines and ensure a gradual transition toward more modern platforms, while aircraft from previous generations continue to operate. In this regard, the F-15EX, manufactured by the American company Boeing, is positioned as a complement within the fleet, alongside the fifth-generation F-35 fighter, of which the acquisition of 38 units is planned in the same period.
According to an Air Force spokesperson, the expansion of the fleet will “begin to recapitalize the aging F-15E fleet,” reflecting the goal of progressively replacing aircraft with high maintenance costs. This renewal process takes place in a context where the service has had to balance investment in modernization with the sustainment of legacy systems for years.
The projected budget for fiscal year 2027 includes a significant increase in resources allocated to the U.S. Air Force (USAF), with an approximate 25% rise compared to the final levels of fiscal year 2026, reaching $267.7 billion. Within this total, a 30% increase in procurement and a 27% increase in research and development are expected, demonstrating an effort to strengthen both current and future capabilities.
In the words of the U.S. Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink: “Fiscal year 2027 goes beyond the trade-off between modernization and readiness. We are funding both as concurrent priorities to ensure the force is ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.” These statements reflect a shift in approach compared to previous years, when budget constraints shaped strategic decisions.
On the other hand, the expansion of the F-15EX is also linked to reinforcing the USAF’s international presence, particularly in regions where older versions of the F-15 are being retired. In this sense, initial deployments of the model were recorded during 2025, including its first integration in Japan at Kadena Air Base and operational evaluations in the Gulf of Mexico, marking progress in incorporating these aircraft into the force’s operational structure.
Other Air Force platforms under discussion
In parallel with the expansion of new capabilities, the USAF maintains plans to retire various platforms considered obsolete or no longer aligned with national requirements, including aircraft such as the U-2, KC-135, C-130H, F-16, and part of the F-15E fleet. However, these decisions remain subject to congressional approval, which has at times blocked similar initiatives in the past.
One of the most relevant changes in this process is the revision of policy regarding the A-10C Thunderbolt II attack aircraft, whose retirement had been planned for the coming years. Contrary to those plans, the USAF confirmed that it will extend the service life of part of this fleet until 2030, with the aim of preserving combat capabilities while production of new aircraft increases.
In this regard, Secretary Troy Meink stated: “After consulting with the Secretary of Defense, we are going to extend the service life of the A-10 ‘Warthog’ platform until 2030. This preserves combat capability while the Defense Industrial Base works to increase fighter aircraft production.” The measure includes the continued operation of three squadrons, including two at Moody Air Force Base and one reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base.
*Images for illustrative purposes.
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