Key Points – While Ukraine is set to receive F-16 fighters from several NATO allies, some analysts argue the F-15EX Eagle II would be an even better option due to its superior payload, making it a formidable “missile truck,” and its advanced dogfighting capabilities against Russian Su-35s.
-However, the F-15EX is not currently on offer to Ukraine. The primary challenges include the limited availability of the aircraft globally and the significant time and resources required for training and logistics.
-A Ukrainian pilot currently training in the US, known as “Moonfish,” also stated a preference for the F-16 as a multi-role “Swiss knife” over the more specialized air-superiority F-15.
Why Russia Fears F-15EX: Could It Be Headed to Ukraine?
The United States and three other countries—the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway—have pledged US-made F-16 fighters to Ukraine as soon as more of their pilots complete flight training.
However, many analysts believe that the F-15 EX would be an even better option for Ukraine in its fight for survival against Russia.
While there’s no evidence to suggest the US Air Force is planning to send F-15EX Eagle II fighters to Ukraine, sending the Eagle II makes for an intriguing conversation about multirole aircraft.
The F-15EX is a US Air Force asset. The service is actively utilizing F-15EX aircraft for various missions. Additionally, the F-15EX is designed for air superiority and battle management rather than being primarily suited for ground attack roles.
While the US and its allies are sending more advanced fighter jets, such as the F-16, to Ukraine, the F-15EX is not among them. The current focus is on supporting Ukraine with F-16s, which the previously mentioned countries plan to provide.
Some aviation experts have highlighted the advantages of such a move, including, but not limited to, the following.
Advantages of Sending F-15EXs to Ukraine
A Potential “Missile Truck” role against Russian forces. The F-15EX’s high 29,500-pound payload capacity enables it to carry a large number of air-to-air missiles, such as the AIM-120D, which can act as a “missile truck,” providing increased firepower.
The Close Air Support role of the F-15EX could be utilized for air-to-ground attacks, employing precision-guided weapons and anti-radiation missiles, especially in contested airspace where control of the air is crucial.
Operational considerations of using the F-15EX, which could potentially be operated from airfields closer to the front lines, reducing logistical challenges compared to platforms that require more forward deployment.
Commonalities with existing F-15s would help the overall logistics and maintenance issues if Ukraine were to receive older F-15 variants. The F-15EX shares some commonalities with them.
The F-15 EX to Ukraine would provide a potential program lifeline. The F-15EX program has faced challenges within the USAF, with some suggesting that a significant order from Ukraine could provide a necessary boost to the program’s viability.
Disadvantages Of Sending Ukraine F-15 EX
Ukraine is highly unlikely to receive F-15s anytime soon. The US is trying to build up its own inventory. Currently, the Ukrainian Air Force is prioritizing the acquisition of F-16s.
Limited availability of F-15s globally. Only seven countries operate the F-15, including the US, and those countries are generally unwilling to part with their current inventory. There are only three countries currently using the F-15EX: the US, Israel, and Saudi Arabia. Egypt, Indonesia, Poland, and Thailand have expressed interest in or are considering the F-15EX.
However, the F-15EX is considered a more advanced dogfighter than the F-16 and could potentially be better suited to counter Russian Su-35 fighters. It boasts a larger weapons payload and advanced radar capabilities.
Ukraine is expected to receive up to 80 F-16s from European allies. They will also receive a smaller amount of the excellent Swedish JAS-39 Gripen fighters as their secondary aircraft.
Training and logistical challenges will take time. Training Ukrainian pilots and ground crews on a new platform like the F-15 would require significant resources and time, and it would also entail establishing new supply chains for spare parts and maintenance.
A Ukrainian Pilot Speaks Up
Defense Express director Serhii Zghurets asked if the F-15 would be a better option for Ukraine, to “Moonfish,” a Ukrainian Air Force pilot who is currently in training in the United States.
“The F-15 fighter is a very good combat aircraft, and from a certain perspective – because Ukraine’s territory is vast – maybe it would be more suitable. But, first of all, the F-15, if we talk the C version of the fighter, not the fighter-bomber version, is after all an aircraft specialized in countering aerial targets. We, on the other hand, need sort of a ‘Swiss knife’ that is F-16,” Moonfish said in the interview on Espreso TV.
He added that despite the F-16 having a shorter combat radius compared to the F-15, it makes up for the flaw by being “capable of the entire spectrum of tasks that aviation is entrusted with in the West.”
About the Author:
Steve Balestrieri is a National Security Columnist. He served as a US Army Special Forces NCO and Warrant Officer. In addition to writing on defense, he covers the NFL for PatsFans.com and is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA). His work was regularly featured in many military publications.
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