F-15EX Stands Out Among Global Fighter Jets

As the Indo Defence exhibition approaches this June, public attention is increasingly focused on a number of defense procurement agreements that have been outlined in previous Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). Among the most anticipated is the final contract for the Boeing F-15EX Eagle II — a fighter jet poised to become a central pillar of Indonesia’s future air force capabilities.

The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest evolution of the legendary F-15 fighter family. It combines raw power, long-range strike capabilities, and state-of-the-art avionics, making it one of the most formidable aircraft in the world today. While already a cornerstone of the U.S. Air Force, the F-15EX is now being eyed by countries that prioritize both air dominance and cost-effective operations.

Indonesia is currently evaluating several fighter aircraft options from multiple countries. These include South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, Turkey’s KAAN fighter, and France’s Rafale — the latter already being partially secured through previous contracts. Still, the F-15EX offers distinct advantages that set it apart from these contenders.

One of the key advantages of the F-15EX lies in its unmatched weapons payload. With 12 external hardpoints and advanced avionics, the aircraft can carry up to 22 air-to-air missiles — the most in its class. This gives it overwhelming firepower and strategic edge during combat missions.

The F-15EX is also equipped with the latest Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, enabling faster and more accurate target detection and tracking. Its electronic warfare resilience and defensive countermeasures make it highly survivable in modern combat environments.

With a top speed exceeding Mach 2.5 and a combat radius of over 1,200 nautical miles without in-flight refueling, the F-15EX has the endurance and speed necessary to patrol and protect Indonesia’s vast archipelagic territory effectively.

In terms of interoperability, the F-15EX is fully compatible with U.S. and NATO forces, as well as other partner nations. This simplifies training, logistics, and joint operations — a crucial advantage for any country aiming to strengthen its global defense ties.

While South Korea’s KF-21 remains in the development phase and lacks operational deployment, the F-15EX is a proven, ready-for-service platform. This factor is particularly important for Indonesia, which urgently needs to modernize its aging fighter fleet.

Similarly, Turkey’s KAAN fighter is still in early production stages, and its real-world performance remains untested. Though it holds promise as a national defense project, it may not meet Indonesia’s immediate operational needs.

France’s Rafale, on the other hand, is a multi-role combat aircraft with considerable capabilities and already under procurement by Indonesia. However, compared to the F-15EX, it carries fewer weapons, has less range, and is not as optimized for heavy-duty combat roles.

The F-15EX also offers a lower operational cost than fifth-generation stealth fighters like the F-35, making it a strategic choice for countries that want superior capabilities without unsustainable maintenance expenses.

Boeing has repeatedly expressed its commitment to supporting Indonesia's defense needs — including potential technology transfer, local workforce training, and industrial cooperation with the domestic aerospace sector.

Given Indonesia’s archipelagic geography and growing regional security challenges, the country requires a flexible, reliable, and powerful air combat platform. The F-15EX checks all those boxes with ease.

Military analysts believe that acquiring the F-15EX would significantly boost Indonesia’s deterrence capabilities. With its extended reach and lethal payload, it is well-suited to address both territorial defense and strategic strike roles.

The Indo Defence event will likely serve as a crucial platform for finalizing this high-stakes deal, signaling Indonesia’s firm commitment to strengthening its air power amidst a rapidly evolving regional security landscape.

From a budget perspective, while the F-15EX is not the cheapest option, its value lies in its long-term operational benefits, combat readiness, and strategic utility — making it a worthwhile investment for Indonesia.

If selected, the F-15EX could serve as a long-term backbone for the Indonesian Air Force, filling a critical gap in heavy fighter capability and complementing the lighter, more tactical assets currently in service.

Ultimately, the decision to procure the F-15EX would mark a significant milestone in Indonesia’s military modernization agenda. It demonstrates not only a focus on capability but also on interoperability and strategic foresight.

With the window of opportunity narrowing to replace legacy aircraft, committing to a platform like the F-15EX ensures that Indonesia maintains regional air superiority and upholds national defense sovereignty.

Should Indonesia Buy the F-15EX?

Yes — and here’s why. Indonesia needs a high-performance, reliable, and battle-ready fighter that can fulfill both defensive and offensive roles across its vast territory. The F-15EX offers unmatched firepower, range, and technological superiority compared to its competitors. Unlike the KF-21 and KAAN, which are still under development, the F-15EX is already operational and battle-proven. Compared to the Rafale, it offers greater payload and strategic flexibility.

Moreover, its interoperability with allied forces, lower operational costs than fifth-gen stealth fighters, and Boeing’s offer for industrial cooperation make it an ideal fit for Indonesia’s current defense and industrial strategy. In the face of growing regional tensions and modern threats, the F-15EX can significantly enhance Indonesia’s air defense capabilities and serve as a strong deterrent in Southeast Asia.

Read more