- The U.S. Air Force’s 96th and 53rd Wings are continuing developmental and operational testing of the F-15EX Eagle II, including survivability, radar, sensor, and networking systems
- A large-force exercise in fiscal 2025 was not operationally relevant for formal assessment, while the Air Force continues refining maintenance procedures and survivability evaluations
A United States Air Force F-15EX Eagle II assigned to Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, flew a training mission over the southeastern U.S. on March 23, 2026, as the service continues developmental and operational testing of its newest fighter platform.
The flight is part of an ongoing test campaign led by the 96th Test Wing and 53rd Wing, focused on evaluating the aircraft’s survivability, radar performance, sensors, and networked combat capabilities.
The immediate relevance of the mission lies in the Air Force’s effort to complete rigorous testing of the F-15EX as it moves toward wider operational fielding. The aircraft is intended to replace older F-15C/D air superiority fighters while adding advanced sensing and survivability systems.
According to the Air Force, the current test series includes next-generation survivability systems, radar performance, sensor integration, and networking capabilities.
The F-15EX is a two-seat, twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the Qatari F-15QA, which itself is based on the F-15E Strike Eagle.
The aircraft combines the proven airframe of the F-15 family with updated avionics and mission systems designed for modern contested environments. The F-15EX includes fly-by-wire flight controls, dual Digital Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems, and a large-area touchscreen cockpit display.
The aircraft also incorporates the AN/ALQ-250(V)1 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System, a defensive suite designed to improve detection of airborne and ground threats while supporting electronic warfare and survivability functions.
The Air Force is also continuing work on maintenance readiness, an area previously identified as immature during initial operational test and evaluation.
Air Force testers are now holding focus groups with operational maintainers to revise and correct technical orders used for servicing the aircraft.
Unlike some stealth-oriented platforms, the F-15EX is designed to carry a large weapons load and operate as a networked strike and air superiority platform within a broader force package.