Fighter jets are not exactly a cheap endeavor, especially when it comes to modern multirole aircraft designed for today’s battlefields. In this informative article, we’ll take a detailed look at the current acquisition and operating costs of the American F-15EX Eagle II. You’ll learn how much the aircraft costs, how it compares with its global competitors, and what contributes to its total expense.
Base Price: How Much Does the F-15EX Cost?
The estimated unit price of the F-15EX Eagle II in 2025 is around $94 million USD. This is the so-called flyaway cost, meaning the price of the bare aircraft without optional systems, weapons, or mission equipment.
Price evolution by production lot:
| Production Lot | Number of Units | Price per Unit (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 | 8 | ~$80.5M (without EPAWSS) |
| Lot 2 | 12 | ~$90M |
| Lot 3 | 15 | ~$97M |
| Lot 4 | 20 | ~$94M |
The price increased from the original $80 million estimate due to reduced order volume, inflation, and system upgrades.
Additional Equipment and Armament
A base F-15EX is not combat-ready without extra systems. Key cost-raising additions include:
- EPAWSS (electronic warfare suite): +$8–10M
- Targeting and IRST pods: +$3–5M
- Weapons and sensors: variable, often +15% over base price
The fully mission-capable F-15EX can reach a total cost of up to $117 million USD.
Operating Costs (Cost per Flight Hour)
One of the F-15EX’s main advantages is its relatively low cost per flight hour:
| Aircraft | Cost per Flight Hour (USD) |
|---|---|
| F-15EX | ~$29,000 |
| F-35A | $30,000–35,000 |
The F-15EX also boasts double the airframe life of the F-35A — up to 20,000 flight hours, which allows for longer operational use without replacement.
Comparison with Other Fighter Jets
The F-15EX may be a 4.5-generation aircraft, but its performance and price place it among the world’s top fighters:
| Aircraft | Flyaway Cost (USD) | Generation |
|---|---|---|
| F-35B | ~$109M | 5th |
| F-35C | ~$102M | 5th |
| F-15EX | $94–97M (up to $117M fully equipped) | 4.5 |
| F-35A | ~$82.5M | 5th |
| Dassault Rafale | $85–100M (up to $125M) | 4++ |
| Eurofighter Typhoon | $90–110M (up to $124M) | 4++ |
| J-20 Mighty Dragon | $100–150M | 5th |
| Saab Gripen E/F | $60–85M | 4++ |
| F-16 Block 70/72 | ~$60M | 4th |
While the F-15EX lacks stealth capabilities, it scores high on durability, payload capacity, and lower operating costs.
Production and Deliveries F-15 Fighter
F-15 production peaked in 1979 with 130 units delivered that year. In 2024, Boeing delivered just 14 F-15EX aircraft — significantly fewer than the 110 F-35 units delivered by Lockheed Martin.
Lower production volumes lead to higher unit costs as fixed development expenses are spread across fewer units.
Engines: F110-GE-129
The F-15EX is powered by two F110-GE-129 engines. In 2021, GE was awarded a contract worth $1.58 billion USD for 29 engines (including spares). That puts the estimated engine-related cost at ~$54 million per aircraft. In 2025, GE signed another contract for export engines for U.S. allies.
Long Airframe Life as an Economic Advantage
The F-15EX was designed with a 20,000-hour airframe life, significantly more than the 8,000 hours of most fighters. This allows for long-term service without the need for frequent fleet replacements, lowering lifetime costs.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Infrastructure: New hangars, supply facilities, technical equipment
- Training for pilots and maintenance crews
- Spare parts and logistics
- Software updates and system integration
These costs are not included in the flyaway price but significantly impact the total budget.
Conclusion
The F-15EX is a high-cost but highly durable multirole fighter. Thanks to its long service life and lower operational expenses, it offers a competitive alternative to stealth fighters like the F-35 for nations that do not require stealth as a top priority.
The aircraft’s price starts at $94 million, and a fully equipped version may reach $117 million. Over its lifetime, it can be a more cost-effective choice.
