US to increase production of F-35 Lightning II and F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets

The United States will increase production of fifth-generation fighters F-35 Lightning II and modernized

F-15EX Eagle II aircraft. This was announced by Frank Kendall, Secretary of the US Air Force.

What is known

Unfortunately, Frank Kendall did not disclosedetailed information on new volumes of production of aircraft of the fourth and fifth generations. Therefore, we can only rely on previously published information.

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In particular, Boeing will release not 80, but104 modernized F-15EX Eagle II fighters. In fiscal year 2024 (FY), the US Air Force is asking for funds to purchase 24 aircraft. Now the service operates only two fighters.

Moreover, we recently learned that the F-15EX Eagle IIstill get conformal fuel tanks. They significantly affect the duration of the flight, although they reduce the speed and maneuverability of the aircraft. In total, the US Air Force is seeking nearly $3 billion in FY2024 for purchases related to Eagle II fighter jets.

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As for the F-35 Lightning II, in FY2024 the US Air Forceplan to purchase 48 fifth-generation fighters. At the end of 2022, Lockheed Martin officially announced that it had received a contract for the supply of 398 aircraft for the US and foreign customers.