Login
iscover
The US Air Force has unveiled two new F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets in a ceremony at Portland Air National Guard Base in the US.
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The display of the American all-weather multi-role strike fighter, derived from the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle, is the first time a new weapons system was introduced to the Air National Guard before being implemented by the active duty US Air Force.
Eighteen F-15EXs will be delivered to Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing as the Air Force adds nearly 100 new operational F-15EX Eagle IIs to its inventory.
The ceremony allowed dignitaries, elected officials, members of the military and other aviation enthusiasts to get an up-close look at the F-15EX model that will eventually replace the F-15C Eagle models operated by the unit at Portland Air National Guard Base on 12 July.
Brigadier General Alan Gronewold, the adjutant general for the Oregon National Guard, described the importance of the new F-15EX for the state and nation.
“The F-15EX represents a significant leap in modernising the 142nd Wing – enhancing our operational readiness and effectiveness to better protect our skies and communities,” Brig Gen Gronewold said.
“It also provides an incredible opportunity for our Airmen to train on one of the most significant fighter jets in the US arsenal, ensuring seamless integration with active duty units and fostering greater interoperability within the United States Air Force.”
Manufactured by Boeing, the F-15EX is fortified with the next generation of radars, sensors and other modern software to keep pace with advances made by adversaries.
The F-15 Eagle fighter jet was originally brought into the Portland Air National Guard Base in May 1989 as the replacement for the F-4 Phantom II.
Most of the early planes came from the disbanding 318th Fighter Interceptor Group at McChord Air Force Base, Washington. For the next 20 years, the 142nd flew the F-15 A/B models, including the last A model in the US Air Force inventory, which was retired on 16 September 2009, while phasing in upgraded C and D models in late 2007.
The newer models featured improved fuel efficiency, radar and avionics. The F-15EX Eagle II model is an all-weather multirole strike fighter which will work alongside the US Air Force F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
Governor Tina Kotek told the attendees filling the unit’s large maintenance hangar for the ceremony, with the new F-15EX and current F-15C models poised as a backdrop, that the fighter jet would strengthen homeland defence.
“Oregon values the exceptional contributions of our Oregon National Guard service members, not only to our state but to our nation,” Kotek said.
“The 142nd Wing … is the sole defender of our skies of the Pacific Northwest.”
The 142nd Wing’s primary federal mission is to provide aerospace superiority from Canada to the California border while supporting USNORTHCOM and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).
The 142nd Wing is one of three Air National Guard units set to operate the F-15EX. The others are the 144th Fighter Wing, Fresno Air National Guard Base, California, and the 159th Fighter Wing, New Orleans Air National Guard Base, Louisiana.
Major General Duke Pirak, the acting director of the Air National Guard and former 142nd Wing commander, said the F-15EX is the cornerstone of the nation’s air power.
“It will be the bedrock of American air supremacy for generations to come,” Maj Gen Pirak said. “When we use this (aircraft) to fight and win our nation’s wars, it will be supported, maintained and flown by Oregon Air Guardsmen.”
