Indonesia Set to Acquire F-15EX Fighter Jets: Here's What You Need to Know
Reporter
April 19, 2025 | 11:04 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of the Defense Information Bureau at the Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General TNI (Indonesian National Armed Forces) Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, stated that the process of purchasing 24 F-15EX fighter jets from the United States is still ongoing.
"The Ministry of Defense has assessed the situation and made recommendations, but ultimately the decision rests with the central government and the Ministry of Finance," said Frega in a webinar quoted by Antara on Friday, April 18, 2025.
Frega explained that the purchasing process, initiated by Prabowo Subianto during his term as the Minister of Defense in 2023, is expected to take around 6-7 years. He added that no contract has been signed even though a memorandum of understanding has been agreed upon.
"We are not yet committed to the purchase, and given the current conditions, the process is still ongoing. However, based on the reports, there has been a signing of the MoU," said Frega.
F-15EX Fighter Jet Specifications
F-15EX, also known as the Eagle II, is a 4.5th generation multirole fighter jet developed by Boeing for the United States Air Force (USAF). This aircraft is the most advanced variant of the F-15 family, bringing significant improvements in avionics, weapon systems, and operational capabilities.
The aircraft is 19.45 meters long, has a 13.05-meter wingspan, and is 5.64 meters high. It has a maximum take-off weight of 37,000 kilograms and a weapons payload capacity of up to 13,300 kilograms. The F-15EX could fly up to Mach 2.5 and has an operational range of 1,200 nautical miles.
The F-15EX has two F110-GE-129 engines, each producing 29,000 pounds of thrust. The jet can carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles, more than its predecessor, which could only carry eight.
The avionics system of the F-15EX includes the AESA APG-82(V)1 radar, EPAWSS electronic warfare system, fly-by-wire flight controls, and open mission systems (OMS) architecture that allows for quick integration of new technologies. The aircraft is also designed to launch hypersonic weapons with a length of up to 22 feet.
The F-15EX is also designed to operate in various conditions, both day and night, and in all weather. With the ability to integrate the latest combat systems through an open mission system architecture, this aircraft can be continually updated as technology evolves.
The F-15EX acquisition program began in 2019 and is designed to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet. The USAF plans to purchase at least 144 units. Indonesia has also expressed interest, with approval for purchasing 36 units from the U.S. government worth US$13.9 billion. In 2023, Boeing confirmed plans to sell 24 F-15EX units to Indonesia.
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