Opinion How F-15EX Jet's Improved Stealth Features, Enhanced Payload and Superior Performance Makes It Viable Contender for India's MRFA Tender

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is seeking to significantly modernize its fleet through the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender, a program aiming to procure 114 advanced fighter jets. Among the contenders, Boeing's F-15EX Eagle II is gaining attention, boosted by a recent endorsement from a respected former IAF officer.

Group Captain MJ Augustine Vinod, a retired IAF officer with over 3,000 flight hours on aircraft including the Mirage 2000, MiG-21, and Kiran, has publicly advocated for serious consideration of the F-15EX. His endorsement, given his extensive experience, carries considerable weight in the ongoing debate about India's defense acquisitions.

In a recent interview, Group Captain Vinod highlighted that, if the F-15EX meets the IAF's operational needs and is offered for purchase, it should be a strong candidate. He acknowledged that while the F-15 platform itself dates back to the 1970s (first flight in 1972), the EX variant represents a significant modernization effort, incorporating cutting-edge technology relevant to modern aerial combat.

Boeing is actively promoting the F-15EX as a powerful and adaptable multi-role fighter for the MRFA competition. A key advantage emphasized by both Boeing and Group Captain Vinod is the aircraft's exceptional payload capacity.

The F-15EX can carry up to 13 tons of ordnance, significantly exceeding the 8-ton capacity of the IAF's current workhorse, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI. This allows the F-15EX to carry a wider range and greater quantity of weapons, increasing its mission versatility and firepower.

"The F-15EX is a fighter jet with a proven track record," Vinod stated during his interview. He further elaborated that, despite its "legacy" status, the continuous evolution of the platform, culminating in the EX variant, makes it a very strong option for the IAF.

Beyond payload, the F-15EX incorporates several other advanced features. These include an advanced AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, which provides superior situational awareness and targeting capabilities. The aircraft also features a new digital flight control system (fly-by-wire) for improved handling and maneuverability.

Furthermore, the F-15EX is equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS), an advanced electronic warfare suite designed to enhance the aircraft's survivability against modern threats.

Finally, although not a fully "stealth" aircraft like the F-35, the F-15EX has incorporated design modifications and coatings to reduce its radar cross-section, making it harder to detect than earlier F-15 models.

The MRFA tender represents a crucial element of the IAF's long-term strategy to replace aging aircraft and maintain a robust air force in the face of evolving regional security challenges.

The F-15EX faces stiff competition from other advanced fighters, including the Dassault Rafale (already in IAF service), Lockheed Martin's F-21 (a variant of the F-16 tailored for India), and Saab's Gripen. The final decision will hinge on a complex evaluation of factors including performance, cost, technology transfer, and strategic partnerships.

 

[Kira]

It's a great bird, but the IAF can't handle operating two heavy, twin-engine jets at the same time, as it's already saddled with the MKI for the next decades.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Not only that,

1. We already have Su-30MKI of the same catgory in huge numbers to ease out logistics. They can be used for both air superiority as well as heavy tactical air strikes.
2. Some recent reports suggested Beoing could offer F-15E Strike Eagle, EX variant was not mentioned.
3. Though F-15EX is meant to operate alongside fifth gen fighters and will be purchased and remain in service, USAF received only 8 units with 104 planned of it.<Wikipedia> (I think it is most likely built for export purposes)
4. It is unlikely IAF will include an American fighter in its fleet all of a sudden. US is unlikely to allow Indian weapons and sensor suites on their platform (let alone Russian) and has lots of user-end restrictions, we all know.

If we are considering the F-15E, we should go for the Su-57 instead. At least then, we will have more customization, weapon integration, mid-life upgrade, and MRO options available to us.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

F-15EX is not a 1970s platform, but is the latest iteration of the baseline F-15 A/B, which indeed belonged to the 1970s era. Anyway, when we have trash like MiG-21 and SEPECAT Jaguar still in service, we ought to be a bit more careful when we call F-16 and F-15 old and obsolete.

After all, while both F-16 and F-15 have evolved into the F-16V Block 70/72 and F-15EX/Eagle II and still remain in production, MiG-21, SEPECAT Jaguar, and Mirage-2000 have long been phased out of service, and the prior two are only operational with the IAF.

As you can expect, there is a paucity of spares for both, and the IAF literally has to scavenge for spare parts, especially for the Mirage-2000 and SEPECAT Jaguar, while the MiG-21 is even worse as the spares are spurious and often lead to crashes.

The aircraft you mentioned that are with the IAF are near the end of their life cycle. Maybe by 2035, most of them will be retired. We will be producing a large number of 4th gen fighters ourselves, subject to the availability of jet engines from the USA. What will take time to develop and produce is the 5th gen AMCA jet. We should procure some 5th or near-5th gen jets in a G2G deal, rather than this. The SU-57 will be a better choice than the F-15.

 

[Abs29]

The aircraft you mentioned that are with the IAF are near the end of their life cycle. Maybe by 2035, most of them will be retired. We will be producing a large number of 4th gen fighters ourselves, subject to the availability of jet engines from the USA. What will take time to develop and produce is the 5th gen AMCA jet. We should procure some 5th or near-5th gen jets in a G2G deal, rather than this. The SU-57 will be a better choice than the F-15.

By 2035, even the vaunted F-35 will be old, so does that mean it's useless? By 2035, expect additional deep upgrades of the F-15. Maybe not the F-16, but the F-15 certainly has more juice left in it.

The USAF intends to use the F-35 and F-22 to crack open the A2AD, and after that, non-stealth mud-pushers like the F-15 Eagle II / F-15EX will take up patrolling duties.

It makes sense, as the F-15 Eagle has a legendary reputation in air combat, and while it's true that it may not be able to have the same skewed air combat record, it's no pushover.

The F-15, with the total EW package and full USAF combat-spec avionics, is still enough to give jitters to opposing pilots.

 

[SREEDHAR R]

We have already learnt our lessons by trusting America for the GE engines. Somehow, some ranks in the Air Force have this fascination for imported jets. Now, the new fascination is to suggest American fighters for India. These individuals don't understand the strategic implications of buying anything from the USA.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

By 2035, even the vaunted F-35 will be old, so does that mean it's useless? By 2035, expect additional deep upgrades of the F-15. Maybe not the F-16, but the F-15 certainly has more juice left in it.

The USAF intends to use the F-35 and F-22 to crack open the A2AD, and after that, non-stealth mud-pushers like the F-15 Eagle II / F-15EX will take up patrolling duties.

It makes sense, as the F-15 Eagle has a legendary reputation in air combat, and while it's true that it may not be able to have the same skewed air combat record, it's no pushover.

The F-15, with the total EW package and full USAF combat-spec avionics, is still enough to give jitters to opposing pilots.

Will this be something similar in capability to our Super Sukhois? BTW, do you believe it is a better option than the Su-57? What is its radar cross-section?

 

[Mc Addy]

F 15 is heavy duty combat proven platform but so is Rafael so they are of same catagory but F15 can shoot down even satellites as high as 500km in space as it has lift capacity for such anti satellite missiles that we must have and infact we do also but not that deep and this can render China blind in minutes in case of war , so we must aim for such assest that can hit object in space with precision.

 

[Abs29]

Will this be something similar in capability to our Super Sukhois? BTW, do you believe it is a better option than the Su-57? What is its radar cross-section?

The problem with the SU-57 is it's not that stealthy, and, as such, does not offer that much of an edge over SU-30/SU-35 aircraft. Sure, its kinematic performance is much better, but that's that. It does not justify the price tag, and it has an almost negligible tech advantage over its peers. An F-35 is almost always assured to get the first shot. While it may or may not result in an immediate kill, it most certainly puts a SU-57 at a distinct disadvantage.

 

[Raja Raja Cholan]

I couldn't agree more with Group Captain M.J. Augustine Vinod's suggestion that India should pick the F-15EX as the ideal choice in the IAF's 114 MRFA project. I am of the opinion that the Indian government should opt for 50 percent F-15EX and the remaining 50 percent with the Eurofighter Typhoon.

We can't afford to buy the Su-57 just because of the hype that it is a 5th gen stealth fighter. There is so much proven testimony on its credentials.

There is nothing concrete on the willingness of the Americans regarding an F-35 offer. Besides that, the high maintenance and operational costs are not convincing either.

But, looking at the progress on MRFA, there are no signs of a poor response from the government; it looks like it will never happen.

At the same time, the AMCA rollout timeline is years away; it will become a reality when it happens.

 

[OlegO]

F 15 is heavy duty combat proven platform but so is Rafael so they are of same catagory but F15 can shoot down even satellites as high as 500km in space as it has lift capacity for such anti satellite missiles that we must have and infact we do also but not that deep and this can render China blind in minutes in case of war , so we must aim for such assest that can hit object in space with precision.

And among other things it is capable of carrying heavy (up to 2.25 tons) aeroballistic missiles with a range of up to 2000 km. including non-conventional warheads. I don't know about India, but for Israel is essential. But it's very expencive. Regards...

 

[Indian1]

If we are considering the F-15E, we should go for the Su-57 instead. At least then, we will have more customization, weapon integration, mid-life upgrade, and MRO options available to us.

Su-57 is a recipe for disaster. Russians are still struggling in Ukraine after 3 years of fighting. Most of the Russian weapons, except the Zala suicide drone, have fared miserably. Today, a nuclear bomber base has been blown up.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

The problem with the SU-57 is it's not that stealthy, and, as such, does not offer that much of an edge over SU-30/SU-35 aircraft. Sure, its kinematic performance is much better, but that's that. It does not justify the price tag, and it has an almost negligible tech advantage over its peers. An F-35 is almost always assured to get the first shot. While it may or may not result in an immediate kill, it most certainly puts a SU-57 at a distinct disadvantage.

Most will prefer the F-35 over the Su-57 for stealth, if we don't consider geopolitics. Compare the Su-57 with the F-15. What is the USA offering us vs. what Russia is offering us? The USA's platform won't allow (or will allow limited) modifications, weapon integration, upgrades, and full tech MRO.

 

[Abs29]

Most will prefer the F-35 over the Su-57 for stealth, if we don't consider geopolitics. Compare the Su-57 with the F-15. What is the USA offering us vs. what Russia is offering us? The USA's platform won't allow (or will allow limited) modifications, weapon integration, upgrades, and full tech MRO.

Even if we compare both F-15 and F-15EX, the F-15EX comes on top due to its more sophisticated sensor fusion and early warning sensors. But that is assuming we get the full-spec F-15 Eagle II, with EPAWSS and other bells and whistles; else, that qualitative difference is bridged significantly. If we can get the Eagle with EPAWSS, Enclosed Weapon Pods, and the latest GaN AESA radar, then nothing [can match] it.

 

[Varaaah]

Tejas Mk2 is almost ready. Produce it in big numbers.

If you do not prefer your indigenous industry now, they (foreigners) will kill it forever.