Boeing has commenced the integration of new electronic warfare (EW) system onto the US Air Force’s (USAF) first two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft.
The new system is being upgraded as part of the F-15 fighter aircraft modernisation programme.
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Under this modernisation effort, a total of 43 F-15E fighter aircraft will be equipped with the Eagle passive active warning and survivability system (EPAWSS).
The development, production and integration of the EPAWSS system on the USAF’s aircraft is a collaborative effort of Boeing and BAE Systems.
The modernisation aims to provide a transformational overhaul to the F-15 fleet’s survivability.
With the integration of EPAWSS, the fighter jets will receive advanced capabilities to detect and counter ground and airborne threats while enhancing battlefield situational awareness.
Boeing F-15 programmes vice-president Prat Kumar said: “The EPAWSS makes the most of mission effectiveness and survivability for the F-15 in contested environments, and further strengthens a highly capable, lethal aircraft.
“With EPAWSS, the F-15E and F-15EX have successfully proven they can perform across a large force environment to penetrate advanced enemy air defences and improve mission flexibility.”
This EPAWSS EW system will also be integrated into the USAF’s F-15EX Eagle II next-generation fighter aircraft.
Boeing’s new F-15EX aircraft will replace the USAF’s F-15C.
The USAF received its first F-15EX aircraft in July 2020, followed by the delivery of the second combat aircraft in April 2021.
Following the second delivery, the two new F-15EX equipped with EPAWSS suite took part in the exercise Northern Edge in May 2021.
The exercise allowed the two fighter jets to demonstrate their operational potential in a highly contested and complex environment.
