The new U.S. Air Force budget calls for 24 F-15EXs in fiscal year 2027 and points to a major shift in its modernization plan, with the total fleet potentially jumping from the previously projected 129 aircraft to 267.
The United States is preparing a major change to its combat aviation strategy. The U.S. Air Force is now working toward a goal of acquiring 267 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, a figure that represents more than double the previous plan of 129 aircraft. The information was reported by Breaking Defense, citing a service spokesperson.
The move gained momentum with the release of the fiscal 2027 budget at the Pentagon. In the official documents, the Air Force is requesting funding to buy 24 new F-15EXs, keeping the aircraft among the top priorities of the U.S. tactical fleet in the next budget cycle. The budget presentation materials also point to an investment of about $3 billion in the program.
According to Breaking Defense, the program’s expansion is not intended solely to complete the Eagle II squadrons already planned. The new objective is also to begin replacing the aging F-15E fleet, expanding the F-15EX’s role within the regular U.S. Air Force.
The decision stands out because, for years, the main focus of U.S. modernization had been centered on the F-35A Lightning II. Even so, the 2027 budget shows a parallel strategy: in addition to the 24 F-15EXs, the Air Force is also planning to purchase 38 F-35As, signaling that Washington wants to strengthen immediate capability, fleet size, and technological renewal at the same time.
In practice, the new plan shows that the F-15EX is no longer seen only as a limited replacement for aging Air National Guard aircraft, but is beginning to occupy a broader place within the U.S. air structure. With greater payload capacity, extended range, and strong modernization potential, Boeing’s fighter is gaining momentum at a time when the Air Force is seeking to expand readiness and speed up the replacement of older platforms. This reading of the aircraft’s expanded role is a consistent inference based on the new 267-aircraft target and the justification presented by the Air Force itself to Breaking Defense.
Source and images: Breaking Defense | Comptroller.war.gov | USAF
