Boeing is exploring the possibility of converting its F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets into electronic attack aircraft, similar to the EA-18G Growler, the Navy’s primary electronic warfare plane.
At the Farnborough International Airshow, Rob Novotny, Boeing’s business development lead for the F-15, revealed the company’s interest in adapting the F-15EX to a role akin to the Growler.
“We are evaluating the technical feasibility of combining EA-18G-like capabilities with the F-15EX platform,” Novotny told reporters at the aviation fair in London.
The decision to potentially retrofit its existing fighter jet comes as production of the EA-18G is set to end by 2027.
This shift leaves a potential gap in the U.S. military‘s electronic warfare capabilities, which Boeing aims to fill.
“There’s a lot of conversation internally about whether we could turn the F-15EX into a Growler,” he added. “So we’re looking at some trade work.”
However, Novotny noted that the study remains in its “nascent” stage.
Boeing’s F-15EX is already a critical component of the U.S. Air Force’s tactical fighter fleet, offering superior payload, range, and speed.
The F-15EX, which recently achieved Initial Operational Capability, is already equipped with the BAE Systems Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS). This system provides radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness and self-protection capabilities.
According to Novotny, adding EW capabilities would allow the F-15EX to operate effectively in contested environments without relying solely on stealth.
“Stealth means, to me, I can go to a place where the enemy doesn’t want me to go, operate in their environment, achieve my objective, and not be targeted,” he told Breaking Defense.
The potential transformation involves integrating advanced jamming pods and other EW systems from the EA-18G Growler into the F-15EX. This enhancement would enable the F-15EX to perform tasks such as jamming enemy radar and communications, similar to the Growler’s role.
Boeing is already eyeing opportunities with NATO members and other U.S. allies. Countries like Saudi Arabia and Poland have shown interest in acquiring the F-15EX, while Indonesia has committed to a purchase and Israel is set to place a large order.
The company is marketing the aircraft as a cost-effective alternative to the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, appealing especially to nations that require a versatile and robust fighter jet with enhanced EW capabilities.
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