McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

Posted by River Knox November 15, 2025
McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle

The McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle has easily the most impressive record of any modern combat fighter, scoring more than 100 aerial victories without a single loss. The twin-engine all-weather fighter made its maiden flight in July 1972 and was first delivered to the United States Air Force in November 1974, serving with the 58th Tactical Fighter Training Wing at Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona.

Developed initially to engage Soviet fighters, notably the Mikoyan MiG-23 (NATO reporting name “Flogger”) and MiG-25 (NATO reporting name “Foxbat”), it didn’t see its baptism of fire with the U.S. Air Force until 1991’s Operation Desert Storm in Iraq. However, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) had already scored dozens of kills with the F-15 Eagle, proving it was among the very best air superiority fighters of the era. But the IAF also highlighted that its secondary role as a ground attack aircraft shouldn’t be overlooked.

F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter assigned to 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron launching from runway at Nellis Air Force Base Nevada during weapons testing mission in April 2023. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft features landing gear retracting after takeoff with afterburners engaged on Pratt Whitney F100 turbofan engines. The 422nd TES performs developmental testing of GBU-56C laser-guided GPS munition weighing 2,000 pounds for precision ground attack missions. Strike Eagle test aircraft carry advanced weapons including GBU-31 GPS-guided bombs, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, and APKWS II advanced precision kill weapon system rockets. Nellis AFB located in Nevada provides test range facilities for evaluating F-15E avionics upgrades, EPAWSS electronic warfare systems, and Sniper XR targeting pods. The United States Air Force relies on test squadrons to validate new weapons delivery capabilities before operational deployment with tactical fighter wings at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and Royal Air Force Lakenheath England.

In October 1985, the IAF carried out Operation Wooden Leg, which saw 10 F-15B/D Eagles, designated the “Baz” in Israeli service, strike the headquarters of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in Tunis. Not a single aircraft was lost in the daring raid.

Enter the Strike Eagle

Even before the IAF employed its Eagles in a ground-attack role, designers at McDonnell Douglas saw the potential for a two-seat variant that could take on a dual role, serving as both an air-to-air or air superiority aircraft and a ground-attack aircraft.

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle dual-role fighter aircraft departing runway with full weapons loadout including air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs mounted on wing pylons and fuselage stations. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft features conformal fuel tanks attached to fuselage sides providing extended operational range for deep strike missions. Strike Eagle weapons configuration includes AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder infrared-guided missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs weighing 500 pounds, and GBU-31 GPS-guided bombs weighing 2,000 pounds. The F-15E airframe can carry up to 11 tons of ordnance across multiple hardpoints while maintaining air-to-air combat capability. Pratt Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engines provide thrust for takeoff with heavy weapons loads and fuel for long-range tactical fighter missions. United States Air Force Strike Eagles employ mixed loadouts when conducting operations requiring both air superiority and ground attack capabilities during missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Libya.

The F-15 was originally developed to replace the U.S. Air Force’s aging fleet of multi-role McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom IIs, which served as both an interceptor and fighter-bomber. However, as noted, the focus was mainly on its air-to-air capabilities. McDonnell Douglas had “quietly” introduced a basic secondary ground attack, to allow the F-15 to serve as a possible successor to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. It was to prove serendipitous for the aerospace firm, as the Air Force initiated its Tactical All-Weather Requirement Study in the late 1970s. The service considered a McDonnell Douglas proposal that recommended a two-seat variant of the F-15 Eagle could serve in an air-to-ground attack role.

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter bomber configured for ground attack mission with external weapons mounted on wing pylons and fuselage hardpoints. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft features conformal fuel tanks providing extended range for deep strike operations against enemy ground positions. Strike Eagle weapons delivery capabilities include precision-guided munitions, conventional bombs, and specialized ordnance for different target types. The F-15E platform employs LANTIRN targeting pods with terrain-following radar and infrared sensors for low-altitude weapons delivery in any weather conditions. United States Air Force Strike Eagles have conducted ground attack missions during Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and combat operations in Syria and Libya. The two-seat tactical fighter features Weapons System Officer coordinating targeting and weapons employment using AN/APG-70 radar and multi-purpose displays. F-15E airframe design incorporates robust wing structure supporting heavy ordnance loads while maintaining air-to-air combat capability for self-defense during strike missions.

A two-seat TF-15A trainer, which had previously been used to test conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), was employed as a demonstrator in the early 1980s and took part in the Air Force’s Dual-Role Fighter (DRF) competition against the General Dynamics F-16XL, which was developed from the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In 1984, the Air Force announced that the F-15E had been chosen as the winner, due in part to its lower development costs and a belief that its twin engines gave it future growth potential. It also offered a greater range and could carry a larger payload.

F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter assigned to 4th Fighter Wing based at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base North Carolina launching from Nellis Air Force Base Nevada runway during Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 exercise in January 2024. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft features conformal fuel tanks and external weapons loadout for realistic combat training mission. Red Flag exercises provide advanced tactical training for Strike Eagle crews simulating large-scale air operations against sophisticated enemy air defenses and fighter threats. The 4th Fighter Wing received initial operational F-15E deliveries in 1988 making it one of the first combat units to fly the dual-role fighter. Seymour Johnson AFB Strike Eagles deploy regularly for combat operations in Middle East, training exercises at Nellis AFB Nevada, and homeland defense missions. The all-weather tactical fighter features Pratt Whitney F100 turbofan engines with afterburners engaged during takeoff for Red Flag mission sorties. United States Air Force uses Red Flag training to prepare F-15E crews for air-to-air combat, precision strike operations, and integrated warfare scenarios before operational deployments.

By the time production began, the IAF carried out its Operation Wooden Leg, which likely convinced U.S. Air Force officials that they had made the right decision. The IAF would further adopt the F-15E Strike Eagle as the F-15I Ra’am.

Second Generation of the F-15

Even as the F-15 had been upgraded with the introduction of the F-15C/D models in the late 1970s, the F-15E has been seen as the beginning of the “second generation” for the aircraft.

“It has the capability to fight its way to a target over long ranges, destroy enemy ground positions and fight its way out,” the United States Air Force explains on its official F-15E website.

United States Air Force maintenance personnel and ground crew recovering McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter after training mission at Gowen Field Idaho during Exercise Double Barrel. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft undergoes post-flight inspection with airmen checking aircraft systems, landing gear, engines, and weapons stations. F-15E maintenance operations involve crew chiefs, avionics specialists, weapons loaders, and aircraft mechanics ensuring Strike Eagles remain mission capable for subsequent sorties. The all-weather tactical fighter features complex systems including AN/APG-70 radar, LANTIRN targeting pods, Pratt Whitney F100 turbofan engines, and electronic warfare suites requiring specialized maintenance procedures. Exercise Double Barrel provides realistic training environment for both flight crews and maintenance teams supporting F-15E operations at forward operating locations. Air Force ground personnel conduct inspections of conformal fuel tanks, flight control surfaces, hydraulic systems, and engine components after each Strike Eagle mission. Gowen Field Idaho hosts Air National Guard units and active duty squadrons for training exercises simulating deployed operations requiring rapid aircraft turnaround between missions.

The F-15E Strike Eagle was equipped with new avionics and multi-role capabilities. Its front cockpit saw redesigned controls that included a wide-field-of-view heads-up display and three CRT displays, which provided the pilot with navigation, weapons delivery, and systems operations data. The rear seat was occupied by the Weapons System Officer (WSO), who would oversee four multi-purpose terminals for radar, weapons selection, and the monitoring of enemy tracking systems.

The Strike Eagle utilized a navigation system that combined a laser gyro and a Global Positioning System (GPS) to continuously monitor the aircraft’s position. Data was provided to a central computer and other systems, and displayed on a digital moving map in both cockpits. Displays could be moved from one screen to another.

United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter launching from Royal Air Force Lakenheath England runway at dusk for NATO training exercise demonstrating twilight operations capability. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft features afterburners illuminated during takeoff with 48th Fighter Wing markings visible on fuselage. RAF Lakenheath serves as only permanent U.S. Air Force Strike Eagle base in Europe providing forward-deployed combat capability for NATO operations and European security missions. The all-weather tactical fighter operates from England supporting training exercises with Royal Air Force, German Luftwaffe, French Air Force, and other allied nations. F-15E Strike Eagles at Lakenheath received EPAWSS electronic warfare systems in January 2025 making them first active duty aircraft with advanced Eagle Passive Active Warning and Survivability System. The 48th Fighter Wing conducts air-to-air and air-to-ground training missions across European airspace maintaining combat readiness for contingency operations. Strike Eagles deploy from RAF Lakenheath for operations in Middle East, Baltic air policing missions, and NATO exercises like Red Flag-Alaska and Atlantic Trident.

Primary sensors included an AN/APG-70 radar and the LANTIRN (Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infrared for Night) navigation and attack system, the latter comprising two separate pods with terrain-following radar that was also linked to the flight control system. It provided targeting capability for the delivery of laser-guided weapons.

Upgraded Strike Eagles have received the AN/APG-82(V)1 active electronically scanned array (AESA). The radar enabled aircrews to detect ground targets from long ranges. According to the U.S. Air Force, “After a sweep of a target area, the crew freezes the air-to-ground map, then goes back into air-to-air mode to clear for air threats.”

For air-to-surface ground attacks (or as the Air Force referred to it, “weapon delivery”), the pilot could detect, target, and engage air-to-ground targets, with the WSO designating ground targets. LANTIRN, which consisted of two pods attached to the exterior of the Strike Eagle, further enabled the aircraft to fly at low altitudes at night and in any weapon conditions.

The aircraft wings were based around a robust torque box made of light alloy and titanium, while the attached wingtip sections, flaps, and ailerons are made of an aluminum honeycomb.

The F-15E was initially outfitted with twin Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engines, equipped with a digital electronic engine control system. The aircraft was subsequently upgraded with the more powerful F-100-PW 229s beginning in 1991. Many older F-15E Strike Eagles were updated and retrofitted with the latter engine.

The F-15E Strikes!

The Strike Eagle first entered service with the 40th Tactical Training Wing at Luke AFB in 1988, and initial operational deliveries followed the 4th Tactical Fighter Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina.

McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter deploying infrared countermeasure flares over Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom combat operations in 2008. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft releases defensive flares from dispensers mounted on fuselage protecting Strike Eagle from heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles and man-portable air defense systems. F-15E Strike Eagles conducted extensive combat operations over Afghanistan providing close air support for coalition ground forces, precision strikes against Taliban positions, and aerial reconnaissance missions. The all-weather tactical fighter features defensive countermeasures including chaff dispensers for radar-guided threats and flare systems for infrared missile defense. United States Air Force deployed Strike Eagles to Bagram Airfield and other forward operating bases supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Global War on Terror missions. The F-15E platform employed precision-guided munitions including GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and GBU-31 GPS-guided weapons against enemy command centers, weapons caches, and improvised explosive device factories. Strike Eagle crews coordinated with joint terminal attack controllers on ground providing close air support protecting U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and coalition forces engaged with enemy fighters.

The F-15E also made its combat debut in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, where its primary mission was to destroy Iraqi “Scud” mobile ballistic missile launchers. Since then, the F-15E Strike Eagle has been at the forefront of every major U.S. military air campaign, having seen action in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom during the Global War on Terror (GWOT), as well as in recent combat missions in Syria and Libya.

In those combat operations, the F-15E was noted to carry a mix of 227kg (500-pound) GBU-12 laser-guided bombs and 907kg (2,000-pound) GBU-31 GPS-guided bombs, as well as up to 500 rounds of ammunition for its M61A1 20mm (0.79 inch) cannon. For surveillance and targeting, the F-15E was fitted with the Lockheed Martin Sniper XR targeting pod.

F-15E Continues to be Upgraded

As of last fall, the United States Air Force had 218 F-15E Strike Eagles in its total inventory, but current plans have called for the fleet to be gradually reduced to just 99 upgraded aircraft. The service has sought to divest the rest of the fleet to modernize the most capable models, while the remaining F-15Es would be moved to the Davis–Monthan AFB’s famed “Boneyard,” which is maintained by the Air Force Materiel Command’s 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (309 AMARG).

The plans had called for the F-15E Strike Eagle to be upgraded with new electronic warfare systems, the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS), which the Air Force described as “substantially improves pilot situational awareness with the capability to autonomously detect, identify, and locate threat systems, and then deny, degrade, and disrupt those same threats.”

United States Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter conducting combat air patrol mission over U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in Middle East. The twin-engine multirole combat aircraft maintains air superiority presence protecting coalition forces and enforcing airspace control over Iraq, Syria, and surrounding regions. F-15E Strike Eagles deploy from Al Udeid Air Base Qatar, Al Dhafra Air Base United Arab Emirates, and other forward operating locations supporting Operation Inherent Resolve and counter-terrorism missions. The all-weather tactical fighter features conformal fuel tanks providing extended loiter time for combat air patrol operations across vast desert regions. Strike Eagles carry mixed weapons loadout including AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, and precision-guided bombs for responding to both aerial threats and ground targets. United States Air Force CENTCOM operations involve F-15E aircraft conducting defensive counter-air missions, close air support for ground forces, and strikes against ISIS positions and Iranian-backed militant groups. The dual-role fighter employs AN/APG-82 AESA radar detecting both air and ground targets at extended ranges supporting combat operations throughout Middle East theater.

The Air Force announced in January 2025 that the F-15E EPAWASS program achieved a significant milestone with the first Strike Eagle delivered with the EW suite to active duty, operating out of Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, England.

The Air Force has also begun to test the air-to-air laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System II (APKWS II) rocket from the F-15E. The weapon had previously been deployed on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and used against missiles fired by the Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen in 2024.

Foreign Variants of the F-15 Strike Eagle

Multiple allied and partner nations have adopted the F-15E. The first export customer of the Strike Eagle was Saudi Arabia, which initially purchased 72 F-15S models in 1995. Having previously operated the F-15C/D models since the early 1980s as part of the “Peace Sun” program to enhance its air defense, the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) acquired and updated its fleet with the strike-optimized version.

Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle multirole fighter aircraft flying during Exercise Sky Shield multinational training operations demonstrating air defense and strike capabilities. The twin-engine tactical fighter features distinctive desert camouflage paint scheme and Qatar national markings on fuselage and vertical stabilizers. Strike Eagle export variants serve with multiple allied nations including Royal Saudi Air Force F-15SA, Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am, Republic of Korea Air Force F-15K Slam Eagle, and Republic of Singapore Air Force F-15SG models. The F-15E platform provides Qatar with advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities including AESA radar systems, precision-guided munitions delivery, and electronic warfare suites. Boeing manufactures F-15 variants for foreign military sales through U.S. State Department approved programs enhancing regional security partnerships. Qatar's Strike Eagles participate in coalition exercises with United States Air Force, NATO allies, and Gulf Cooperation Council partners to practice integrated air operations and combat tactics.

The F-15S retained the F-15E airframe but lacked the conformal fuel tanks, while some equipment was downgraded in accordance with the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) terms. The Kingdom’s F-15S fleet was later upgraded to the F-15SA (Saudi Advanced), which added the Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a more advanced cockpit display than the original F-15S version, and an Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system. It was also equipped with a Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System, BAE Systems’ defensive suite, and new fly-by-wire controls. Much like the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E, the F-15SA has served as a multirole fighter capable of carrying out both air-to-air and air-to-surface operations. Riyadh has acquired 84 new F-15SAs while upgrading 70 of its F-15S to the new standard.

On the other side of Asia, the F-15K Slam Eagle has been operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF). It was so named for its capability to carry and launch the SLAM-ER cruise missile, and was chosen following a 2002 competition to become South Korea’s key aircraft for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Developed to meet the requirements, the F-15K was outfitted with the General Electric F-110-GE-129A engines, AN/APG-63(V)1 ASEA radar, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), an updated cockpit with seven multi-function displays, and the Lockheed Martin Tiger Eyes sensor suite with infrared search and track (IRST) system.

Singapore also acquired around two dozen F-15SG variants, which are broadly similar to the F-15K with a few unique features, notably equipped with the APG-63(V)3 radar system.

Israeli F-15I Ha’am

One of the most notable variants of the F-15E Strike Eagle is the IAF’s F-15I Ra’am (Hebrew for “Thunder”), a customized version that first entered service in January 1998. It was developed to incorporate many of the features of the F-15E, but was also adapted to utilize an Elbit display and sight helmet (DASH) system. The Ra’am has been regarded as being among the most advanced F-15 models, with the possible exception of the F-15EX Eagle II, which is now entering service.

Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am Strike Eagle variant on static display during Israeli Independence Day celebrations in 2017 showing customized multirole fighter developed for Israel Defense Forces. The twin-engine tactical fighter features Hebrew "Thunder" designation and Israeli Air Force markings with blue Star of David on fuselage and vertical stabilizers. F-15I Ra'am entered service with IAF in January 1998 incorporating advanced systems including Elbit display and sight helmet DASH system, Elisra electronic warfare suite, and LANTIRN targeting pods. The Israeli Strike Eagle variant serves alongside earlier F-15A Baz and F-15B air superiority fighters demonstrating Eagle family versatility for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat operations. IAF F-15I aircraft have conducted combat missions against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, Hamas targets in Gaza, Syrian military installations, and Iranian nuclear facilities. The Ra'am features McDonnell Douglas F-15E airframe with Israeli-specific modifications including customized avionics, weapons systems, and electronic warfare capabilities meeting Israel Defense Forces operational requirements. Israeli Air Force employs F-15I alongside fifth-generation F-35I Adir Lightning II fighters conducting precision strike operations protecting Israeli national security interests throughout Middle East region.

In addition to being equipped with the LANTRIN system, FLIR night vision sensor, and terrain-following radar, the Ra’am is outfitted with an EW suite designed and built by Elisra specifically for the F-15I.

The IAF has employed its F-15I fleet in combat operations in Lebanon and Syria, where it has been used to strike enemy command centers, weapons depots, and other high-value military targets. The Ha’am has been deployed in the ongoing military operations in Gaza, and in June 2025, served alongside the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35I Adir (Hebrew for “Mighty One”), the IAF’s variant of the U.S. Air Force’s F-35A Lightning II, to strike Iran’s nuclear and military facilities.

United States Air Force armament systems specialist conducting maintenance inspection on M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon removed from F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighter. The six-barrel Gatling-style gun provides Strike Eagle with close-range air-to-air combat capability and ground strafing firepower carrying up to 500 rounds of 20mm ammunition. Air Force weapons technicians perform regular inspections of cannon barrel assemblies, rotating mechanism, ammunition feed systems, and firing controls ensuring M61A1 remains combat ready. The F-15E platform employs M61A1 cannon mounted internally in right wing root with ammunition storage in fuselage compartment. Strike Eagle armament specialists train at technical schools learning weapons system maintenance, gun system troubleshooting, and ammunition handling procedures supporting tactical fighter operations. The M61A1 Vulcan cannon fires high-explosive incendiary rounds at rates up to 6,000 rounds per minute for engaging enemy aircraft and ground targets. United States Air Force maintains strict safety protocols during armament system maintenance with trained technicians conducting inspections between combat sorties and training missions.

Just as the F-15 Eagle saw success in hitting the PLO in Tunis in 1985, 40 years later, the IAF’s variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle proved it has remained the right aircraft to get such jobs done!

Legacy of the F-15E

A total of 435 F-15E Strike Eagles and variants, including the F-15I, F-15K, F-15S, and F-15SG, were built between 1985 and 2017 when production ended. Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in the 1990s, is now focused development of the F-15EX Eagle II, a further variant of the venerable F-15 Eagle.

Multiple McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle tactical fighters positioned on flight line at Mountain Home Air Force Base Idaho showing dual-role combat aircraft assigned to 366th Fighter Wing. The twin-engine multirole fighters display conformal fuel tanks, external weapons mounting points, and distinctive twin vertical stabilizers characteristic of Eagle family airframes. Mountain Home AFB serves as operational base for F-15E squadrons conducting training missions over Idaho ranges and deploying Strike Eagles for combat operations worldwide. The flight line operations include aircraft maintenance, pre-flight inspections, weapons loading, and mission preparation for Strike Eagle crews. United States Air Force 366th Fighter Wing operates F-15E aircraft alongside F-15C air superiority fighters providing comprehensive air combat capabilities. Mountain Home based Strike Eagles participate in Red Flag exercises at Nellis AFB Nevada, Green Flag training at Mountain Home ranges, and deployments supporting CENTCOM operations in Middle East. The tactical fighter wing maintains combat readiness through realistic training scenarios preparing F-15E crews for air-to-air engagements, precision strike missions, and close air support operations.

For aviation buffs, the Strike Eagle has remained an elusive warbird to see, at least in person. As of summer 2025, there were no F-15Es on public display. Yet, it may become easier in the years to come to see the F-15E up close as the U.S. Air Force begins to retire the oldest models, which are likely to head to museums. 

In 2012, Boeing donated a large model with a six-foot wingspan of the Strike Eagle to the Museum of Aviation at Robins AFB, Georgia, where it is now mounted outside the main entrance of its Eagle Building.

Editor’s Note: Be sure to check out The Armory Life Forum, where you can comment about our daily articles, as well as just talk guns and gear. Click the “Go To Forum Thread” link below to jump in!

Read the full article here