Why the F-15EX Eagle II is still the USAF’s ultimate speed weapon

Boeing’s F-15EX Eagle II has emerged as the fastest jet in the U.S. Air Force fleet, clocking speeds approaching Mach 3 during recent test flights, the company confirmed. Despite the rise of fifth-generation stealth aircraft like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the Eagle II continues to play a critical role in American air dominance due to its unmatched speed, payload capacity, and operational flexibility.

The Eagle II clocked speeds close to 2,225 mph in a clean configuration during test flights, according to Boeing. “That’s a hell of a first flight,” said Chief Test Pilot Matthew “Phat” Giese. “I went straight up at full afterburner and reached 40,000 feet at Mach 2.5.” Aviation Week and Forbes have both verified that this aircraft, stripped of external loads, comes dangerously close to Mach 3, an arena few jets have entered.

Designed during the Cold War to intercept Soviet nuclear bombers, the F-15 has since evolved. Its latest variant, the F-15EX, launched in 2021 under a USAF recapitalisation directive. It now serves roles beyond air superiority, including long-range missile deployment and homeland defense. Built by Boeing in St. Louis, the jet uses General Electric’s upgraded F110 engines, which offer 29,000 pounds of thrust each and 6,000 cycle durability, powering 100% of the Eagle II fleet and 70% of F-16s globally.

What the F-22 gains in stealth, the F-15EX makes up for in sheer speed, payload, and durability. USAF veteran and Boeing executive Robert “Blend’r” Novotny puts it plainly: “The Eagle II is built to hit hard, carry more, and last longer — especially when others run out of fuel or space.” With export variants flying in Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, the F-15 legacy is not fading. It’s accelerating.

Read more on Otto Aviation’s Phantom 3500 jet targets zero-emissions flight by 2030