As the United States Air Force (USAF) continues incorporating the first batches of its new F-15EX Eagle II fighter-bombers, the production of new components and systems to supply the manufacturing line has reached new milestones. The latest is the confirmation that the Pentagon has awarded Boeing a contract to begin full-scale production of the new AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS electronic countermeasure system, which equips these combat aircraft.

According to a U.S. Department of Defense announcement on January 6, Boeing has been awarded a $615,760,630 contract to initiate production of the EPAWSS system for the F-15EX fighters being delivered to the USAF. The contract also includes provisions for equipping F-15E Strike Eagles already in service.

The notification states: “This contract provides for procurement of Group A and Group B kits, system engineering program management, and interim contractor support lay-in material. Work will be performed in St. Louis, Missouri; and Nashua, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2030”.

The reference to St. Louis, Missouri, and Nashua, New Hampshire, highlights the facilities of Boeing and BAE Systems, respectively. St. Louis serves as the hub where new F-15EX Eagle II aircraft are produced, while Nashua houses the facilities responsible for manufacturing the EPAWSS.

The AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) is one of the key systems outfitting the new fighter jets, providing enhanced survivability through electronic countermeasures and delivering operational awareness to pilots.

According to BAE Systems, the EPAWSS delivers:“…fully integrated radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection solutions to detect and neutralize ground and airborne threats in highly contested, signal-dense environments.”

Before the confirmation of full-scale production, the USAF had announced in 2024 that the EPAWSS achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) following rigorous testing and evaluations with F-15EX aircraft equipped with the system from the factory.

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