Is the F-15EX really good against 5th generation planes in both offensive and defensive missions?
In its 2024 annual report, the Directorate of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) assessed the F-15EX to be “operationally effective” in an air superiority role, even when matched against fifth-generation aircraft.
“The F-15EX was able to detect and track all threats at advantageous ranges, use onboard and off-board systems to identify them, and deliver weapons while surviving,” the report states.
The description strongly implies the F-15EX paired with stealthy partners to fight while surviving--those unnamed "off-board systems" for detecting and attacking threats.
If the F-15EX is capable against stealth planes, is stealth only useful to overcome ground-bases air defenses? But the future use of "the Eagle Passive Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS)" that finished testing last year is intended to overcome ground-based air defenses. Is stealth a waste or is EPAWSS complementary? I can see how being aware of being detected to complete the mission can be way different than carrying out a mission while the enemy is unaware of the coming attack.
I think the plane has missions. But I want to see the Definitions Section.
NOTE: TDR Winter War of 2022 coverage continues here.
NOTE: You may also like to read my posts on Substack, at The Dignified Rant: Evolved. Go ahead and subscribe to it.
NOTE: Image from the cited article, crediting the US Air Force.
