The US Air Force has authorized the full-rate production of the Eagle Passive Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS), a modern electronic warfare countermeasure developed for its Boeing F-15 fighter jets. This system aims to enhance the aircraft’s capability to face modern air defense threats effectively, particularly with the inclusion of F-15 EPAWSS capabilities.
The approval follows over a decade of development and rigorous testing. BAE Systems and the Air Force completed operational and test evaluations of EPAWSS in 2024. This accomplishment cleared the way for the system’s integration into the fleet, as part of a $615 million contract for initial production focusing on the F-15 EPAWSS.
Under this contract, the system will be installed on existing F-15E aircraft and new F-15EX fighters. The Air Force plans to equip 218 F-15E jets and acquire 98 F-15EX units. The delivery of the first F-15 EPAWSS-equipped aircraft is scheduled for completion by 2030.
Features and Operational Benefits
According to BAE Systems, EPAWSS brings advanced capabilities, such as radar warning, geo-location, situational awareness, and protection against air defense threats. “The system enables freedom of maneuver and deeper penetration into battle spaces protected by modern integrated air defense systems,” the company said, emphasizing the impact of the F-15 EPAWSS.
This improvement plays an important role in extending the operational life and efficiency of the F-15 fleet. While the newer fifth-generation F-35 provides stealth advantages, the F-15EX offers greater weapons payload capacity, complementing its advanced counterpart.
“EPAWSS is a leap in technology, improving the lethality and combat capabilities of the F-15E and F-15EX in contested, degraded environments against advanced threats,” said Major Bryant Baum, the Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation Center’s EPAWSS test director.
Deployment and Future Plans
Boeing delivered the first two combat-ready F-15EX jets to the Air Force in 2024, following the earlier transfer of six test units. These advanced models feature fly-by-wire controls, enhanced low-speed performance, and expanded weapons capacity.
The Air Force plans to station 36 F-15EX aircraft at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. These fighters will replace retiring F-15C/D models, ensuring the service maintains its strategic presence in the Western Pacific.
The upgrades solidify the F-15E and F-15EX as key assets in modern combat scenarios, enabling the US Air Force to address evolving threats effectively. The F-15 EPAWSS will play a critical role in this strategy.
