DefenseUS Air Force plans to extend the service life of the F-15C/D fighter jets until 2030
The US Air Force (USAF) plans to retain a portion of its F-15C/D fleet for homeland defense missions until 2030, according to a report released in August at the direction of Congress.
The report was mandated by the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act and outlines the service’s long-term requirements for combat aircraft. It provides lawmakers with an assessment of the future fighter force structure and operational needs.
More than 75% of the F-15C/D fleet now faces performance limitations, and the report notes increasing cannibalization among airframes. The supply chain for replacement parts is also diminishing, complicating continued operations.
Despite these challenges, the Air Force will keep some F-15C/Ds operational specifically for the air sovereignty mission. The decision reflects a gap between current force structure and the timeline for fielding replacement fighters.
The Air Force also plans to retain selected F-15E Strike Eagles into the 2030s, ensuring a mix of legacy and modern platforms. The total stated requirement for fighter aircraft remains at 1,558 combat-coded jets.
At the same time, the service expect to receive more F-15EX aircraft in the next years. Production of the new fighter jet at Boeing’s factory in St. Louis is halted due to a strike that began in August.
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