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.

 

[Bharat007]

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.

You should know about the compatibility issues. If u can buy them go ahead. Otherwise, it's a wishful thinking. IAF will never buy it because of same reason.

 

[Sridhar]

F15 EX in its current version can take out any jets used by both PAF and PLAAF. Unmatched speed , payload . It's truly a multirole jet . The only challenge remains logistics and operating costs . And to add weapons package.

 

[Akshat]

Yes $300Mln is very cheapest.

L1 twice buddy. Digest it, pinky panther.

 

[Nvs rao]

Any thing is possible based on kickbacks from the vendors

 

[PKPRS]

Indeed. Like they did 2 times in the past, our military will make the right choice once more.

one time each because they don’t want second time.

 

[Akshat]

one time each because they don’t want second time.

Twice. By India. They just love this plane man. They just can’t get enough of them.

 

[PKPRS]

Navy chief when asked about the winner between Rafale and F18 had said that both meet the requirements but Tafale has the edge due to IAF’s older purchase of 36 planes. So imagine how big an edge it would be when IAF itself would be procuring them.

IAF didn’t buy even after Macron begged, pleaded and cried more than 100 times asking them to buy, didn’t even consider the follow on order with a guaranteed same price.

 

[PKPRS]

Indeed. But there is something called educated guesses. Patterns of the past are a powerful tool to help predict the future.

That’s why they are shopping for used Mirages, which is patterns of the past, we can also have an educated guess that they don’t have much money to spend for Rafale.

 

[PKPRS]

Oh there is a very good logic. They are different ones and IN didn’t want to wait anymore for their beloved Rafale planes.

And so as MIG-29 and MIG-29K, but IAF uses both of them.

 

[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

So as Rafale, Modiji bought them only for Macron, because he couldn’t see Macron crying and pleading.

 

[PKPRS]

By the way A $200 millionS a peace only corrupt government will approve and buy it.

which fighter you are talking about, Rafale is $300Mln++.

 

[PKPRS]

lol…It will be double of Rafale. Nothing can beat Rafale on price. L1 twice.

Absolutely, you are telling the truth, nothing can come near Rafale’s $300Mln price tag.

 

[PKPRS]

Slightly cheaper than Rafale actually speaking...

it is $85Mln.

 

[PKPRS]

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

Rafale is $300Mkn++ not $200Mln.

 

[PKPRS]

French have actually reduced its price. It has been chosen as L1 twice,

only once by IAF and Navy not known officially.

 

[PKPRS]

L1 twice buddy. Digest it, pinky panther.

No Pinky Akshat only once by IAF, IAF didn’t even execute follow on class.

 

[PKPRS]

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.

so then why we need to spend $300Mln++ to buy Rafale, Our Super SU-30 with AESA radar can take care of them.

 

[PKPRS]

They will be squatted like a mosquito due to inferior missiles.

This is what Chinese said about Rafale’s.

 

[PKPRS]

Biden already offered ToT and Indian weapons on F15EX jets! u r very outdated PHOOOLISH fellooo here...

They might even offer subsidy and 0% interest, like how they give fighter jets to Israel and pigistan, which no other Country can afford to offer in the current economic scenario.

 

[PKPRS]

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

As I said they could offer us subsidized price ( the price that USAF pays) also if they wanted to, they are the inly contender who has the luxury to do that.

 

[wallisk]

F15 EX in its current version can take out any jets used by both PAF and PLAAF. Unmatched speed , payload . It's truly a multirole jet . The only challenge remains logistics and operating costs . And to add weapons package.

Some you tube videos says that F15EX offered by Boeing will be L-1 TEF jet in MRFA tender soon!

 

[wallisk]

Whatever is the cost of Rafale, it will be the cheapest among all. F15 was offered for ~400 million UsD to Indonesia without top end missiles or local production or specific modifications. So F15 will be like 800 million per plane for us.

F15EX will be L-1 among TEF jets, just wait and see....

 

[Akshat]

No Pinky Akshat only once by IAF, IAF didn’t even execute follow on class.

Yes, because they don’t want 36 more. They want full 114 made in India mean machines Rafale which India has already bought twice.

 

[Akshat]

This is what Chinese said about Rafale’s.

Exactly. When your enemy is afraid of something, they try defaming it. That’s why you keep posting against it and want us to buy other planes so that you can win against India.

 

[wallisk]

No really

MK1A 2nd production model costs 82 millions usd per unit of jet manufactured costs already [65,000 crs divided by 97 jets divided by 8.4]. 100% MK2 will cross 120 millions usd per manufactured by HAL costs!!

 

[Akshat]

And so as MIG-29 and MIG-29K, but IAF uses both of them.

Mig28K? Some strong stuff you are on.

 

[Akshat]

Absolutely, you are telling the truth, nothing can come near Rafale’s $300Mln price tag.

Whatever the price bro, it is always L1. So indeed, nothing comes close to it.

 

[Akshat]

IAF didn’t buy even after Macron begged, pleaded and cried more than 100 times asking them to buy, didn’t even consider the follow on order with a guaranteed same price.

Exactly bro. They told him don’t worry. We don’t want a petty 36 plane order. We will buy whole 114 made in India set.

 

[Akshat]

That’s why they are shopping for used Mirages, which is patterns of the past, we can also have an educated guess that they don’t have much money to spend for Rafale.

If IAF can buy 36 Rafale and Navy can buy 26, then there is enough money bro.

 

[PKPRS]

Mig28K? Some strong stuff you are on.

you never make a TYPO, so you are strong everytime.