Boeing Promotes F-15EX Fighter Jet to Poland in Quest for Defense Deal
Boeing is promoting its F-15EX fighter jet to Poland, aiming for a defense deal through the Foreign Military Sales program.
Boeing is promoting its F-15EX fighter jet to Poland, aiming for a defense deal through the Foreign Military Sales program. (PHOTO: Defense News)
READ ALSO: SECRETIVE HYPERSONIC MISSILE TEST FROM CAPE CANAVERAL SPARKS SPECULATION ON NATIONAL SECURITY
Boeing’s F-15EX Fighter Jet: Poland’s Potential Defense Deal
Boeing is actively promoting its F-15EX fighter jet to Poland, potentially opening the door to a significant defense deal via the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program with the US Department of Defense. According to a published article in Flight Global, Rob Novotny, who serves as the director of business development for Boeing’s F-15 program, confidently stated that the F-15EX fighter jet is the epitome of advanced fighters globally and represents the perfect selection to enhance Poland’s security needs. Novotny highlighted key attributes of the aircraft, such as enhanced interoperability with US and NATO forces, technology growth capacity, and an impressive operational airframe life of over 20,000 hours.
During his address at the MSPO defense show in Kielce on September 7th, Novotny refrained from divulging specific details about the potential price and delivery schedule of the aircraft. He emphasized that there are currently no negotiations or contract talks; instead, they have engaged in preliminary conversations with the Polish Air Force. It is believed that Poland is considering the acquisition of enough F-15EX fighter jets to equip two or three squadrons, potentially totaling 32 to 48 aircraft.
READ ALSO: US MILITARY PREPARES FOR HYPERSONIC MISSILE TEST FROM CAPE CANAVERAL, FLORIDA
Poland’s Air Force Modernization and Boeing’s F-15EX Fighter Jet Program Attracting Regional Interest
Poland’s air force is in a transitional phase, phasing out its Soviet-era RAC MiG-29 fighters and Sukhoi Su-22 ground-attack aircraft while concurrently procuring modern fighter jets. Currently operating Lockheed Martin F-16s, Poland has previously ordered 48 Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50s and is planning to acquire 32 Lockheed Martin F-35As. Novotny suggested that there is room for customization to align the F-15EX with Polish requirements, such as adapting electronic warfare systems, radios, or other components, though he cautioned that customization could entail additional engineering costs.
Boeing’s F-15EX program has garnered significant interest in central and eastern Europe, but Novotny refrained from disclosing specific potential future operators. The company’s production facility in St. Louis, Missouri, is poised to manufacture up to 12 F-15EX aircraft annually, with plans to increase production to 24 units and the possibility of further expansion to 36 to meet export demands. Indonesia has already signed a memorandum of understanding for a planned 24-unit purchase of the F-15EX fighter jet. Boeing anticipates a 36-month delivery timeline for aircraft following the receipt of a contract.
READ ALSO: F-16 FIGHTER JETS AND THE TREND TOWARDS ‘LOW VISIBILITY 2.0’ LIVERY
