Page 8 - ADT MARCH 2021 Online Magazine

tions. Advanced versions of this excellent fighter are in widespread the RFI and called for a Performance Based
use in the Middle East. Presently, the most advanced F-15 version Logistics Package (PBL), that would deliver an
is operated by Qatar. Other operators are Japan, Korea, Singapore, aircraft availability rate of 75 percent.
Saudi, Israel. In February, the U.S. State Department approved a
possible F-15ID Foreign Military Sale to Indonesia at an estimated Qatar and Saudi Arabia are both operators of
cost of US$13.9 billion for 36 aircraft. The new aircraft will improve advanced versions of the F-15, with the former
Indonesia’s capability to meet current and future threats by enabling operating the F-15QA, which is one of the most [ COVER STORY ]
it to provide increased deterrence and air defense coverage across advanced variants of the F-15E Strike Eagle
a very complex air and maritime domain. Boeing is also responding made by Boeing and is modelled after the
to an Israeli request for 25 new aircraft and upgrades for 25 more. United States Air Force’s (USAF) new F-15EX
Eagle II. Qatar ordered 36 F-15QAs in 2017 as
Boeing Defence is awaiting additional information in the form of part of a US$12 billion deal with Qatar. The
an Air Staff Qualitative Requirement (ASQR) to be issued by the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) also operates
Indian Air Force (IAF) before deciding on the participation of its the advanced F-15SA ordered as part of a
F-15EX in a competition for 114 fighter aircraft. While the airframer US$29 billion Foreign Military Sales agreement
has announced its willingness to offer its latest and most heavily reached in 2010 for 88 aircraft. The final air-
updated variant of the F15 to India. Boeing is said to be await- craft was delivered in December 2020 and the
ing a marketing license from the U.S. Government to start formal F-15SA is an advanced dual role version of the
discussions on the offer of the type to India. At present, informa- F-15S currently operated by the Royal Saudi
tion on the type is being exchanged between the IAF and U.S. Air Air Force (RSAF). The aircraft has two addi-
Force (USAF) with Boeing providing its support on any information tional wing stations for increased payload and
requested from it. capability. The F-15 Strike Eagle features a new
digital Electronic Warfare (EW) suite, fly-by-wire
India has issued a Request for Information (RFI) in April 2018, flight control system, an infrared search-and-
announcing its intent to procure 110 fighters (later increased to track system, Active Electronically Scanned
114). The procurement sought to acquire 86 single-seat and 28 Array (AESA) radar, advanced cockpit displays
twin-seat fighters, with up to 18 aircraft (1 Squadron) to be acquired and Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems
in flyaway condition. The remaining 96 aircraft were to have been (JHMCS) among many other advancements.
produced in India to meet by a Strategic Partner/Indian Production
Agency (SP/IPA). The aircraft were intended to stem a decline in the Boeing is currently upgrading the RSAF fleet
combat strength of the IAF and were intended to undertake a range of approximately 60+F-15S aircraft under a
of missions, ranging from air-superiority, air defence, air-to-surface US$9.8 billion contract that will be completed
operations, reconnaissance, maritime and Electronic Warfare (EW) by 2025. The upgrades will bring the aircraft to
missions and buddy refuelling, etc. Each aircraft would be expected the newer F-15SA standard. The F-15 entered
to generate an average flying effort of 150 hours per year as per USAF service in 1976 and its most advanced

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