First EPAWSS-equipped F-15E Strike Eagles arrive in the UK
The USAF has been working to modernise its F-15E fleet against evolving warfare threats. (Photo: USAF)
The F-15 Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System programme has achieved its first major milestone after 11 years of development, with two jets arriving at RAF Lakenheath.
The US Air Force (USAF) has disclosed that the first two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft installed with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) has been delivered to the UK at RAF Lakenheath on 16 January.
According to the USAF, the fighters will be integrated into Lakenheath’s F-15E fighter squadrons in the 48th Fighter Wing: one in the 494th Fighter Squadron and the other to the 492nd.
The system, manufactured by BAE Systems and integrated by Boeing, reportedly provides advanced electronic warfare technology – such as integrated radar warning, geolocation and situational awareness.
Related Articles
Boeing gives F-15EX new lease of life with EW and weapons upgrade
Boeing wins $615 million USAF contract for F-15 electronic warfare system production
Equipped with advanced radio frequency and electronic countermeasures, the system enables “deeper penetration against modern integrated air defense systems”, according to BAE Systems.
Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis, programme executive officer for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, said: “It has taken us a long time to get to this point, but this system is vital to our 21st century fighter force structure.
“EPAWSS significantly improves the survivability and lethality of the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II, and the fact the first modifications are delivering to our front-line fighters at RAF Lakenheath is even more critical.”
The delivery is the conclusion of 11 years of work by BAE and Boeing, working to upgrade the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II for the US Air Force. It completed initial operational testing in April 2024.
In January 2025, Boeing was awarded a further $615 million contract for full-rate production on the EPAWSS system which is expected to conclude by 2030.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate]()
2025 air market review: European defence independence, next-gen tech and export concerns dominate
This year’s (geo)political turmoil has challenged many long-prevailing assumptions, leading to far-reaching consequences for air forces and their supplier bases in industry worldwide – with five key trends in review for 2025.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
