Poland Could Soon Bring F-15EX Fighters Right to Russia's Doorstep
Poland is in discussions with Boeing to acquire F-15EX fighter jets as part of its military modernization, driven by concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Summary and Key Points: Poland is in discussions with Boeing to acquire F-15EX fighter jets as part of its military modernization, driven by concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
-The F-15EX, an advanced version of the F-15 with cutting-edge avionics, radar, and targeting systems, offers Poland enhanced air defense capabilities.
-With a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs and 12 hardpoints for various missiles and bombs, the F-15EX can address evolving threats.
-Poland's interest follows its recent investments in U.S. defense technology, including Abrams tanks and Apache helicopters. If purchased, Poland would join Israel and Saudi Arabia in operating the F-15EX.
Poland Eyes Boeing's F-15EX Fighter Jet in Defense Modernization Effort
Some NATO members are taking Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a cue to invest in defense. Take Poland, which has been in discussions with Boeing about purchasing the new F-15EX fighter jet.
According to Boeing, representatives from the Polish Armament Agency and the country’s air force began inquiring about the F-15EX in early 2024. “The discussions would explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in the production of components and engineering work for the F-15EX, as well as technical support,” Army Recognition reported.
An American Upgrade
Acquiring the F-15EX would upgrade Poland’s military aviation capabilities. Poland is understandably concerned that their current capabilities are “insufficient to meet the current threat level.” To address the deficiency, Poland would like to field 10 fighter squadrons for a total of about 160 aircraft as part of a general military upgrade.
“Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Warsaw has heavily invested in modernizing its military hardware,” Army Recognition reported. “Among the significant purchases were Abrams tanks, Apache combat helicopters, and HIMARS rocket launchers from the United States.”
American firms thus seem to be enjoying a financial windfall from the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. Poland has already invested heavily in American defense technology, and purchasing the F-15EX would accelerate the trend.
Introducing the F-15EX
The F-15 is about fifty years old. But internally, the F-15EX is an upgraded platform built for the 21st century. According to Boeing, the F-15EX incorporates “the latest in software development, digital engineering and Open mission Systems architecture” and is a “digital pathfinder for more rapid, affordable future fighter aircraft development.”
Obviously, the corporate-speak doesn’t mean all that much. What we know is that the F-15EX has been updated with cutting-edge avionics. For radar, the jet features the Raytheon AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, which can be used for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. For targeting, the F-15EX relies on the Martin Marietta AN/AAS-13/14 LANTIRN or the Lockheed Martin AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR. Either provides the F-15EX with impressive target identification and autonomous tracking.
“With a payload capacity of 29,500 lbs. – including outside weapons – the F-15EX delivers affordable mass to address rapidly evolving threats,” Boeing states. “When this payload is combined with range, contemporary sensors and an advanced electronic warfare suite, the F-15EX presents peer adversaries with multiple challenges both inside and outside of threat rings.”
The F-15EX is equipped with 12 hardpoints that can be outfitted with a wide variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-9X Sidewinder or the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile; air-to-ground missiles like the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile or the AGM-88 High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile; and bombs like the GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition or the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb.
If Poland procures the F-15EX, they will join Israel and Saudi Arabia as foreign customers. Other potential customers include Egypt, Indonesia, and Thailand.
About the Author: Harrison Kass
Harrison Kass is a defense and national security writer with over 1,000 total pieces on issues involving global affairs. An attorney, pilot, guitarist, and minor pro hockey player, Harrison joined the US Air Force as a Pilot Trainee but was medically discharged. Harrison holds a BA from Lake Forest College, a JD from the University of Oregon, and an MA from New York University. Harrison listens to Dokken.
Image Credit: Creative Commons.
