USAF's Battle-Tested F-15E to Demonstrate Relevance in Modern Warfare for IAF, Eyeing India's MRFA Tender

The upcoming multinational air exercise Tarang Shakti, scheduled for August 2024, is set to be a significant event in the global defence landscape.

The participation of the United States Air Force (USAF) with its F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft holds particular relevance for India, given Boeing's proposal of the F-15EX, an advanced variant, for the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) tender.

F-15E: A Proven Workhorse in the USAF Arsenal​

The F-15E Strike Eagle, while not the exact variant offered for the MRFA program, is a formidable fighter-bomber with a distinguished combat history. Its participation in Tarang Shakti offers the IAF a firsthand look at the platform's capabilities, including air-to-air combat prowess and precision strike capabilities.

F-15EX: The Next Generation of Fighter Aircraft​

Boeing's F-15EX, the latest iteration of the Strike Eagle family, brings significant advancements to the table. With improved fly-by-wire flight controls, an enhanced electronic warfare suite, and a state-of-the-art radar and computer system, the F-15EX represents a substantial leap in performance compared to its predecessor.

The F-15EX also boasts a 28% larger payload capacity than the F-15E, thanks to its strengthened airframe and the ability to carry conformal fuel tanks. This enhanced payload capacity translates to greater flexibility and firepower, making it a valuable asset in diverse operational scenarios.

Cost-Effective and Logistically Advantageous​

One of the key selling points of the F-15EX is its cost-effectiveness. Sharing 70% of its parts with existing F-15 variants, the F-15EX minimizes infrastructure changes and pilot training requirements, leading to substantial cost savings for operators.

Additionally, the global availability of spare parts, with production expected to continue until at least 2070, ensures long-term logistical support.

Tarang Shakti: A Platform for Evaluation and Decision-Making​

The IAF's MRFA program is a critical initiative to modernize its fighter fleet, and the Tarang Shakti exercise serves as a valuable platform for evaluating various contenders. The IAF will have the opportunity to compare the capabilities of different aircraft, including the F-15EX, and assess their suitability for India's evolving defence needs.

The exercise will also facilitate interactions between IAF personnel and their counterparts from the USAF, fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing interoperability between the two air forces.

A Strategic Decision for India's Air Power​

The decision regarding the MRFA program is of paramount importance for India's air power and overall defence strategy. As the IAF embarks on this crucial procurement process, the insights gained from Tarang Shakti 2024 will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of India's fighter fleet.

 

[Pad UwU]

AMCA is 10 years away Mark my word India may buy atleast 2 to 3 sqadron of Su-57 apart from MRFA , But will not buy this old design F-Series US Fighter jets. Fight for MRFA will b between Euro-fighter & Rafale.Most Likey Rafale Once again likely to win MRFA .

Make it 15~20yrs because we know HAL's always have excuses 😹😹😹

w bit correction bruh... It said in article they offered f15ex not f15e.... They just sent a f15e demonstration in the exercise

 

[Akshat]

AMCA is 10 years away Mark my word India may buy atleast 2 to 3 sqadron of Su-57 apart from MRFA , But will not buy this old design F-Series US Fighter jets. Fight for MRFA will b between Euro-fighter & Rafale.Most Likey Rafale Once again likely to win MRFA .

No Su57 at any cost. IAF has specifically said that.

 

[Akshat]

It’s a great jet, if we could have bought these before buying SU-30, it would have made sense, but with a similar platform and upgrade program in the pipeline, I wonder if IAF would buy these, Tejas MK2 is the only MRFA winner.

Where is mk2? 😂😂

 

[Akshat]

Buy and make Rafale in India, else get Su - 57 and make them in India.
Everything else is either junk or too costly in the longer run and F-22 will never be offered to us.

Su57 is the biggest junk of them all buddy. Even Russia has cut down orders by 70% and is buying Su35 instead.

 

[Akshat]

Entire MRFA is scam better to cancel this and channel the funds to MK2, ORCA and AMCA and TEDBF

But where are all these planes???

 

[Pink Panther]

Where is mk2? 😂😂

In HAL factory screaming to come out.

 

[Pink Panther]

No Su57 at any cost. IAF has specifically said that.

GOI might be waiting for SU-57 who know’s and that might be the reason why they refused to buy Rafale even after 100’s of repeated plead from Macroni to buy Rafale’s, nothing is guaranteed, anything can happen.

 

[Pink Panther]

Make it 15~20yrs because we know HAL's always have excuses 😹😹😹

w bit correction bruh... It said in article they offered f15ex not f15e.... They just sent a f15e demonstration in the exercise

It must be a mistake in the article, f15-E variant was made in 1980’s, F15EX is the latest.

 

[Tim Mugaseth]

AMCA is 10 years away Mark my word India may buy atleast 2 to 3 sqadron of Su-57 apart from MRFA , But will not buy this old design F-Series US Fighter jets. Fight for MRFA will b between Euro-fighter & Rafale.Most Likey Rafale Once again likely to win MRFA .

Would make operational sense to buy rafaels instead of a completely different variant. Inventory maintenance , spares etc would become a major issue. But on the political front it makes sense to partner with the US. As Europe and canada being its shores would follow suit.

 

[ASHOK CARROL]

7-8 Squns of F-15EX can outmatch 15 to 18 squns of J-20 and other Chinese fighters with their massive missiles and Bomb carrying capabilities. In case Boeing builds transfers technology and uses India as a spares and maintenance hub for the F-15 aircraft it will be good buy with early supplies at friendship prices of less than 65-75 milllion $.

 

[Akshat]

In HAL factory screaming to come out.

Then please file a case of unlawful detention against HAL.

 

[Akshat]

GOI might be waiting for SU-57 who know’s and that might be the reason why they refused to buy Rafale even after 100’s of repeated plead from Macroni to buy Rafale’s, nothing is guaranteed, anything can happen.

One can assume whatever they wanna assume. But IAF has officially said no to Su57. Under no circumstances should I’ll they buy it. That is guaranteed. Of course, India haters like you won’t accept it,

 

[amit suri]

Lol.. su57 is not in offer 100 percent for make in India

the f15ex eagle is good as a bomber old school. USA won't provide rights to modification like SU platforms and you never know the sanction and jamming things. Will they ever provide codes to modify the sensor like Israel.. you know the answer

tejas series are decades away for any meaningful numbers.

AMCA is a dream project so don't expect it in reality any time before 15 years in nos.

so what is the option RAFLE loaded with on demand specifications.
atleast no fear of sanction till Macrons exist.
for people raising questions on used Jaguar and mig and su .. please we just need them in numbers and prepare as per needs and we know the best on how to make jugad.
the war is tomorrow and we need immediate nos if it was decades later we might have planned different.

dont argue on why these jets now. For layman it's like ordering used Mercedes as you know how to repair it. Than waiting for your own Rolls-Royce.

 

[Pink Panther]

Then please file a case of unlawful detention against HAL.

In India we have something called habeas corpus petition to bring out people from unlawful detention by police and show them before the Judge, may be citizens have to file a habeas corpus against HAL to bring out MK2 and show it.

 

[Pink Panther]

One can assume whatever they wanna assume. But IAF has officially said no to Su57. Under no circumstances should I’ll they buy it. That is guaranteed. Of course, India haters like you won’t accept it,

you can’t talk for the IAF, if IAF would have wanted Rafale, they would have bought more than 36 in the first go and wouldn't have waited for four year’s and not buy them again.

 

[Akshat]

you can’t talk for the IAF, if IAF would have wanted Rafale, they would have bought more than 36 in the first go and wouldn't have waited for four year’s and not buy them again.

Well you can’t talk for the IAF especially after admitting that you hate India.

As for Rafale, IAF is going for the due process. Full 114 Rafale with Make in India. Chillax.

 

[Pink Panther]

Well you can’t talk for the IAF especially after admitting that you hate India.

As for Rafale, IAF is going for the due process. Full 114 Rafale with Make in India. Chillax.

Dreams are free of cost, hope your dreams come true.

 

[Akshat]

Dreams are free of cost, hope your dreams come true.

My dreams ain’t cheap. I dream when awake and my dreams cost sweat.

 

[Pink Panther]

My dreams ain’t cheap. I dream when awake and my dreams cost sweat.

When you dream when you are awake, that is Day Dreaming, which doesn’t come true majority of the time 😂.

 

[PKPRS]

Buy and make Rafale in India, else get Su - 57 and make them in India.
Everything else is either junk or too costly in the longer run and F-22 will never be offered to us.

you want to spend $40Bln for nothing, 0 TOT and no permission to even screw-drive, also with budget $17Bln allocated, if we wanted 114 jets then the price of the jet should be $149Mln, can we get a Rafale F4 for this price, and that’s why we are shopping for scrape metal.