[FASTBOAT TOUGH]

The reports are true, started tracking in Early/Mid 2020...
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/n...ombat-aircraft
https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-w...139799.article
https://theaviationist.com/2021/02/1...-first-flight/
(From Para 8 from above"...173rd Fighter Wing of the Oregon ANG, stationed at Kingsley Field, will become the first F-15EX Formal Training Unit (FTU) in 2022, and the 142nd Fighter Wing of the Oregon ANG, stationed in Portland, will become the first F-15EX operational unit in 2023.")
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/n...-15ex-for-usaf
https://theaviationist.com/2021/02/2...-and-markings/
https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zon...-the-air-force

Foreign Potential Sales:

India
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/n...ry-plans_15168

Indonesia
https://www.janes.com/defence-news/n...curement-plans

Abstract
A couple of points and issues for the following based on some other data I have...
1) I believe the author is under estimating the detection range versus the F-35A. I would agree with those numbers based on the original S-400 fielded but not with the current upgraded versions since fielded by the Russians.

2) The calculus will change later this year (Early next year.) when Russia fields the S-500, which they hope will be able to deal with the F-22 (However as I've already reported and "as we speak", the F-22's are getting new "skin treatments" and advanced EW systems.)

3) The F-15EX will still be the worlds heaviest weapons platform in it's class.
https://www.airforcemag.com/article/f-15ex-vs-f-35a/
https://www.airforcemag.com/PDF/Maga...rtical.v30.pdf

Regards,
Pat