This morning different international media outlets have reported on three F-15E Strike Eagle fighters that have crashed in Kuwait, near the Ali Al Salem air base. From the United States Central Command, they have confirmed that three fighters of this model have fallen in Kuwait as a result of the missions they were carrying out in support of Operation “Epic Fury.” According to various reports, all six occupants have survived after managing to eject from the aircraft. However, this event occurs at a time of instability after the death of the Iranian supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, and with the beginning of drone and missile attacks in the area.
The economic value of the F-15
A current F-15 is among the highest figures in combat aviation. If the F-15EX Eagle II model (the version being produced and delivered this year) is taken as a reference, each unit is between 90 and 97 million dollars. Additionally, it can go up to 117 million dollars if it contains mission systems, logistical support and initial weapons.
Why is the F-15 fighter so expensive?
Although its structural design is not new, there are different factors that explain the price. First, it must be taken into account that unlike other fighters that are manufactured for different countries, the production of the F15 program is smaller, that is, for only 104 units for the USAF. As fewer aircraft are produced, the fixed costs of development and the supply chain are distributed among fewer units, causing the price of each product to rise.
Another factor has to do with “the digital invisibility cloak. A large amount of the budget is allocated for this system, known as EPAWSS, which allows the F-15 to detect and deceive enemy radars. It is characterized by having quite complex equipment, so it can reach represent about 15 million dollars in total for the aircraft.
In addition, the design with modern and current materials to be able to carry up to 13.5 tons of weapons also responds to the high price number. In turn, this structure allows up to 20,000 flight hours, double what any other fighter can. Hence, These fighters require much more expensive and precise manufacturing and quality controls. which is what causes the high amount compared to others.