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The F-15 EX Eagle II was expected to initially enter service without one feature common to the older F-15 E-Strike Eagle-conformal fuel tanks. But now this approach is starting to change. Two F-15 EX fighter jets from the Oregon Air National Guard have begun flying with these large fuel structures mounted along the fuselage, and they provide more than just extra fuel. So why did the US Air Force change its approach? And what does this mean for the Eagle II's combat capabilities? Read on to find out. This was reported after two F-15 EX aircraft assigned to the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard were spotted flying with conformal fuel tanks (CFT) near Portland, Oregon.
The air wing confirmed that it had received the tanks from Air Combat Command and had been flying in this configuration for approximately two weeks. One of the identified aircraft has the serial number 200012. This is significant because the initial F- 15 EX fleet was planned without conformal tanks. The aircraft was originally intended to replace the older F-15C and F-15D fighters, which mainly performed air- to-air missions. Unlike underwing drop tanks, conformal tanks are attached directly to the fuselage. Each one holds about 750 gallons of additional fuel, which increases flight range and frees up space under the wings.
They also provide six additional weapons suspension points, giving the F-15 EX greater flexibility in carrying weapons and external equipment. The aircraft was designed to accommodate such tanks, but their appearance on combat fighters marks an important change in its configuration. The F-15 EX is much more than just a modernized F-15C. It is equipped with an APG-82 active phased array radar, a digital flight control system, and an EPAWSS electronic warfare system. Together, these systems support a broader range of missions, including air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. The Oregon unit is also developing its air-to-ground capabilities through
training that includes training and combat bomb launches in 2026. The addition of conformal tanks could make this configuration particularly useful for long-range flights, including possible missions over the Pacific Ocean, where distances are significant and tanker availability could become a logistical problem. However, conformal tanks add weight and drag, which can affect speed and maneuverability. Unlike conventional outboard tanks, they also cannot be dropped during flight. The two Oregon aircraft use tanks provided by Air Combat Command, while the FY2027 budget request includes funding for 28 kits for 24 Batch 8 aircraft.
This indicates a wider rollout, although fleet-wide installation has not yet been confirmed. Could this upgrade make the F-15EX an even more valuable asset for American long-range aviation, especially in the Pacific region? That's all for today. Thank you for watching.
