The F-15 series, once the pinnacle of air superiority, is gradually being retired or repurposed as the United States Air Force (USAF) transitions to fifth-generation fighter jets like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
While the F-15EX Strike Eagle II continues to excel in air-to-air and multi-role capabilities, the aging F-15C/D fleet—many over 40 years old—is being phased out. Approximately 145 F-15C Eagles remain in service, complemented by around 218 F-15Es and a few F-15EXs.
As these aircraft retire, some find new roles as chase planes for NASA or museum exhibits, while others are stored in the boneyard. Here’s a look at key airbases that have transitioned or are in the process of upgrading their fleets.
1. Westfield/Barnes Air National Guard Base (Massachusetts)
Transition: F-15C → F-35A (2026)
- Date of F-15 Retirement: 2024
- Fighter Squadron: 131st
- Notable Details: The 104th Fighter Wing, operating out of Barnes Air National Guard Base, is preparing to receive the F-35A Lightning II in 2026. As of 2024, the wing retired its F-15Cs, with one aircraft donated to the New England Air Museum. Col. David Halasi-Kun remarked on preserving the Eagle’s legacy while embracing the technological leap offered by the F-35A.
The F-35A will bring cutting-edge capabilities, including advanced sensors, stealth, and network integration, replacing the 1980s-era F-15Cs.
2. Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Alaska)
Transition: F-15E → F-22 Raptor (2007)
- Date of Transition: 2007
- Fighter Squadrons: 90th and 302nd
- Notable Details: Elmendorf is home to the F-22 Raptor, which replaced the F-15E Strike Eagles in 2007. The base is strategically critical for NORAD operations, frequently intercepting Russian and Chinese aircraft near US airspace.
The 90th Fighter Squadron, established during World War I, continues its long legacy, while the 302nd Fighter Squadron also operates F-22 Raptors. The Raptors at Elmendorf exemplify the Air Force’s pivot to advanced air dominance platforms.
3. Luke Air Force Base (Arizona)
Transition: F-15 → F-16 → F-35 (2013)
- Date of F-15 Transition: 1991 (F-16s phased out post-2013)
- Fighter Squadrons: 61st, 62nd, 63rd, 310th, 308th
- Notable Details: Once a hub for F-15 training, Luke AFB transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon in the 1990s and later to the F-35 Lightning II in 2013. Today, the base is the epicenter of F-35 pilot training, hosting both US and allied pilots.
Luke AFB boasts five active F-35 squadrons, including international partners such as Belgium, marking it as a global training hub for advanced fighter operations.
4. Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii)
Transition: F-15C → F-22 Raptor (2010)
- Date of Transition: 2010
- Fighter Squadrons: 19th and 154th
- Notable Details: Hickam transitioned from F-15Cs to F-22 Raptors in 2010, making the 154th Wing one of the first Air National Guard units to receive the Raptor. The base also houses the 15th Wing, whose 19th Fighter Squadron operates alongside the 154th Wing.
As a vital outpost in the Pacific, Hickam plays a key role in ensuring stability and projecting US air power in the region.
5. Royal Air Force Lakenheath (England)
Transition: F-15C/D → F-35A (2021-2023)
- Date of F-15 Retirement: 2022 (493rd Fighter Squadron)
- Fighter Squadrons: 493rd and 495th (F-35A), 492nd and 494th (F-15E)
- Notable Details: The 493rd Fighter Squadron transitioned to the F-35A Lightning II in 2023, following decades of operating F-15C/D Eagles. Meanwhile, the 495th Fighter Squadron became the first overseas USAF squadron to receive the F-35A in 2021.
RAF Lakenheath remains unique, as it still operates F-15E Strike Eagles in its 492nd and 494th Fighter Squadrons. This blend of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters highlights the collaborative benefits of integrating advanced aircraft with legacy systems.
The Future of the F-15
While the F-15C/D models are nearing retirement, the F-15EX Strike Eagle II ensures the Eagle legacy continues. Designed to handle modern threats, the F-15EX combines advanced avionics, weapons systems, and durability to complement fifth-generation platforms like the F-22 and F-35.
As the USAF transitions its fleet, these modernized fighters will provide a bridge between legacy airframes and the emerging era of advanced aerial warfare. The enduring utility of bases like Barnes, Elmendorf, Luke, Hickam, and Lakenheath underscores the significance of a balanced and adaptable force structure.
FAQ:
1. Why is the USAF retiring the F-15C/D fleet?
The F-15C/D models, many of which are over 40 years old, are nearing the end of their service lives. Maintenance costs, outdated technology, and the need for enhanced capabilities have prompted the transition to modern fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.
2. What is replacing the F-15C/D aircraft?
The F-15C/Ds are being replaced by a mix of fifth-generation jets, including the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, as well as the advanced F-15EX Strike Eagle II, which offers modernized capabilities while retaining the Eagle’s proven performance.
3. What roles do the remaining F-15C/Ds serve?
Some retired F-15C/Ds are repurposed as chase planes for NASA or donated to museums. Others are placed in storage at the boneyard. Operational bases transitioning from F-15Cs are either receiving fifth-generation fighters or upgrading to the F-15EX.
4. Which bases have transitioned from F-15C/Ds to newer fighters?
- Westfield/Barnes ANGB (Massachusetts): Transitioning to F-35As in 2026.
- Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (Alaska): Transitioned to F-22 Raptors in 2007.
- Luke AFB (Arizona): Transitioned to F-35s starting in 2013, becoming a global training hub.
- Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (Hawaii): Transitioned to F-22 Raptors in 2010.
- RAF Lakenheath (England): Transitioned to F-35As in 2021-2023, while still operating F-15Es.
5. What is the significance of the F-15EX Strike Eagle II?
The F-15EX combines the classic durability of the F-15 platform with advanced avionics, weapons systems, and enhanced situational awareness. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to fifth-generation fighters for certain missions and complements the capabilities of the F-22 and F-35.