After Losing F-18 E/F, Boeing Has Renewed Confidence in F-15EX Eagle-II for India's MRCA Bid

After losing out on the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA) contract with its F-18 E/F fighter jets, Boeing is re-entering the competition with renewed confidence in its F-15EX Eagle-II. The IAF is currently seeking to procure 114 new fighter jets, and Boeing believes the F-15EX is a strong contender due to its advanced technology and exceptional performance capabilities.

Boeing's optimism stems from significant improvements made to the F-15EX compared to its predecessor, the F-18 E/F. The company secured a license from the US government in 2022 to discuss the potential sale of the F-15EX to India, allowing them to respond to the IAF's Request for Information (RFI) and engage in detailed discussions.

The F-15EX boasts impressive features, including:

• Speed: A top speed of Mach 2.5, making it the world's fastest fighter jet.
• Payload: Ability to carry up to 13.6 tonnes of armaments, the most heavily-armed fighter in the world.
• Strike Range: An extensive strike range of 1,200 nautical miles.
• Combat Record: The F-15 series has a proven combat record with 104 air-to-air kills and zero losses.

Despite these advantages, the F-15EX faces challenges in the Indian market. As a heavy-class fighter jet, it falls into the same category as the Sukhoi-Su-30MKI, which currently forms the backbone of the IAF. This could potentially hinder its selection. However, past reports indicate that IAF officials hold the F-15 platform in high regard, suggesting that Boeing's bid may not be without merit.

The F-15EX's inclusion in the MRCA competition adds another layer of complexity to an already competitive race. As the IAF continues its evaluation process, it remains to be seen whether Boeing's renewed confidence in the F-15EX will translate into a successful bid.

 

[desigandu]

why not 120 F-35, that might be cheaper

Good question - too expensive to run long term

 

[wallisk]

why not 120 F-35, that might be cheaper

F35 will costs IAF $50,000 per sortie ops costs. BUT, F15EX might be much more cheaper say around $30,000 or so per sortie. Rafale F3R costs $15,000+ usd's per sortie.. And Tejas around $5000+ per sortie...

 

[wallisk]

F-15 EX11 is capable but duplicative with our Su-30 MKIs, so IAF may not go for them…I suggest splitting MRFA in 2 parts - 1st 60 F-35As and 2nd 60 Rafale F4s, all in flyby condition, all delivered by 2030, while we focus on Tejas Mk2, and AMCA Mk1 to start production by 2030…Yes this will cost us $30Billion over 8 years but we have the money, can spend it and will give us both capability while we continue aatmanirbharta…

DOOOOOOD.... Tejas MK2 starts productions in year 2040+ only, and 4.5++ gen. AMCA MK1 will starts in 2050+ year; with 5th gen. AMCA MK2 starting in 2060+ year full scale productions... So, until den u wanna IAF to buy scrap Mirage2000-5 jets from around the world for 50 millions usd costs per jet dude??? Even MK1A HAL is still NOT delivered to IAF yet!!!

 

[desigandu]

who said so

Solely my views Mr Singh - I may be wrong, but unless someone has insider information it is all speculation hopefully with logic...

 

[wallisk]

Boeing F15EX Eagle II is far better than F-35 fighter jet because F-35 fighter jet has engine problem.
F-35 has crash history in many times.
Boeing F-15 EX Eagle II is good for lAF.

YES!! F15EX is the ONLY option against J20's and J31's even J10D's of PLAAF now....

 

[wallisk]

buying a 1970s jet in 2020s which will be fully inducted in 2030s and will be part of arsenal till 2080s ..Very good choice

F15EX is a TOTALLY new design new fbw new GaN AESA radars and latest of EW SPJ GaN avionics systems to make it a natural SEAD DEAD jets too!

 

[PKPRS]

F-18 failed to pass Technical eveluation rounds read article carefully.Latest news IN select Rafale M over F-18 in 26 Naval Tender .Deal may signed by year end

There is still no official statement from Government Sources whether which jet Navy selected and the order has never been placed, it’s all speculation .

 

[PKPRS]

Geopolitics won't allow that. Rafael is the only one which will win the mrfa, IF that deal happens. Only 36 jets doesn't make sense.

Rafale’s are bought for Pakistan, like how IAF uses MIG-29, they will use Rafale also, this is why they are ordering 26 Rafale-M’s, which gives us a total of 62, which is more than plenty for Pakistan and small skirmishes against China for now, so if they are buying MRFA jets then it will be the cheapest among the bunch to increase the squadron strength or Nothing at all, there is also a possibility of getting 2 additional squadrons of Rafale and cancelling MRFA, main reason is the price of the jet has to be <$149.5Mln in order to get 114 Rafale’s for $17Bln budget, is this possible remotely with even used Rafale’s, impossible, this is why IAF is doing Scrape Metal shopping. .

 

[Calvin]

We keep making the wrong choices... Both the F16 and the F15 are the preferred aircraft by most air forces who can afford them. Let the air force decide, not the politicians or the armchair generals .. after all, our pilots are the ones whose lives are on the line...!

 

[Anubhav Sharma]

No point in buying this ancient 1970 model ,rather we opt for su 57 giving us 5th gen edge or we can go for f4 rafael as we already operate it and have infrastructure to support it

 

[Pad UwU]

As rafale is there, eurofighter won't stand any chance as contender.

LMAO our aircraft carrier is so small for other naval jets to fit in so we choose rafale m, doesn't mean 36 IAF is a game changer at all unless there's the final contract for MRFA chosen by Modiji and IAF leadership

 

[Pad UwU]

F-15 EX11 is not likely to happen at all…I think it may be Rafales all the way, if I have to speculate, or 72 Rafales in G2G for faster delivery….

Your just conspiracy theories wannabe bruh... IAF and Modiji has the final words

 

[Anurag]

F15EX is a TOTALLY new design new fbw new GaN AESA radars and latest of EW SPJ GaN avionics systems to make it a natural SEAD DEAD jets too!

F15EX is a totally new design??? Really when it happened?? It's like super Sukhoi program means we are developing a a new design jet!!

F15EX airframe is of 1970s just get upgraded with the engine and other electronic and avionic upgrades!

 

[sanket]

There is still no official statement from Government Sources whether which jet Navy selected and the order has never been placed, it’s all speculation .

Navy have informed to MoD , about two jets (F-18 & Rafale M) both are good , But MoD is going with Rafale-M 26 Jets for almost 50,000 cr

 

[wallisk]

No point in buying this ancient 1970 model ,rather we opt for su 57 giving us 5th gen edge or we can go for f4 rafael as we already operate it and have infrastructure to support it

SU57 buys means 100% Japan USA very heavy sanctions on India for trade and commerce and technology transfers... Rafale will costs 350 millions usd per unit of jet, for make in India by Dassault-DRAL.

 

[wallisk]

F15EX is a totally new design??? Really when it happened?? It's like super Sukhoi program means we are developing a a new design jet!!

F15EX airframe is of 1970s just get upgraded with the engine and other electronic and avionic upgrades!

Yaaa.. and SUper Sukhoi and SU35S are 5th gen. fighter jets - right said Fred......!!??

 

[wallisk]

Please compare the capabilties of Su-30MK1 and F-15E. You will surprised. IAF is not to happy with Su-30MK1 engine and going to spend $50mil per plane to upgrade. With this price we can buy new F-15E.

F15EX new fbw makes it pull 15G manouveres just the same as SU57 and SU35S now!!

 

[wallisk]

Not really. Our Sukhoi jets can already see their so called stealth fighters and when converted to the Super Sukhoi jet it will improve our combat capability even more.

arrey beta SU30 having 1980's radars and avionics. ONLY the Israeli jamming pods carried under wings saved these SU30MKI's during Operation Bandar from F16's AIMRAAM's...

 

[wallisk]

Rafale’s are bought for Pakistan, like how IAF uses MIG-29, they will use Rafale also, this is why they are ordering 26 Rafale-M’s, which gives us a total of 62, which is more than plenty for Pakistan and small skirmishes against China for now, so if they are buying MRFA jets then it will be the cheapest among the bunch to increase the squadron strength or Nothing at all, there is also a possibility of getting 2 additional squadrons of Rafale and cancelling MRFA, main reason is the price of the jet has to be <$149.5Mln in order to get 114 Rafale’s for $17Bln budget, is this possible remotely with even used Rafale’s, impossible, this is why IAF is doing Scrape Metal shopping. .

RIGHTLY SAID! Rafales to be used against PAF AND, F15EX can be deployed on LAC's for PLAAF....

 

[wallisk]

With price tag of $200 mil a per fighter????? French has doubled the price of Rafale. It has no chane

Factory manufactured F15EX costs is just 100 millions usd per jet. Rafale will costs India 350 millions usd per jet for full 100% manufacturing in India! Per Rafale jet factory manufactured costs is $135 millions usd...