{"id":164027,"date":"2026-11-10T05:04:01","date_gmt":"2026-11-09T23:34:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=164027"},"modified":"2026-11-10T02:07:07","modified_gmt":"2026-11-09T20:37:07","slug":"largest-air-force-in-the-world-gives-f-15ex-fighters-a-major-upgrade-with-750-gallon-fuel-tanks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/11\/10\/largest-air-force-in-the-world-gives-f-15ex-fighters-a-major-upgrade-with-750-gallon-fuel-tanks\/","title":{"rendered":"Largest Air Force in the World Gives F-15EX Fighters a Major Upgrade With 750-Gallon Fuel Tanks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

WASHINGTON<\/strong>– The US Air Force<\/a> has begun flying operational F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets <\/a>equipped with conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), marking an important development in the aircraft’s evolving combat capabilities. Two aircraft assigned to the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing have been spotted operating with the additional fuel tanks near Portland as the service explores ways to extend the fighter’s range and weapons-carrying capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The development was confirmed by the Oregon Air National Guard after the aircraft were photographed operating around Portland International Airport (PDX)<\/a>. The unit received the tanks from Air Combat Command (ACC) and has been flying the approved configuration for approximately two weeks, indicating that the equipment is now being evaluated on operational aircraft rather than exclusively on test platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Photo : \tU.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Amy Kelley | Wikimedia Commons |https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:F-15EX_and_F-15E_air_power_soars_at_Kadena_(9807268).jpg<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

F-15EX Gets Fuel Tanks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The two F-15EX Eagle IIs are among the aircraft assigned to the 142nd Wing, the US Air Force’s first operational unit to receive the advanced fighter. One of the identified aircraft carries serial number 20-0012, which belongs to the first production batch delivered to the Oregon Air National Guard beginning in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Senior Master Sergeant Steve Conklin, a public affairs officer with the Oregon Air National Guard, confirmed that the wing was using conformal fuel tanks supplied by Air Combat Command on two aircraft. The unit received an opportunity to operate the equipment and has been flying the approved configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The tanks are mounted along the aircraft’s fuselage and are designed to provide additional fuel without occupying the same underwing space as conventional external drop tanks. Each conformal fuel tank can hold approximately 750 gallons of fuel and provides six additional weapons pylons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interestingly, the tank visible on one of the Oregon aircraft carries the insignia of the 366th Fighter Wing, which operates F-15E Strike Eagles from Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The marking suggests a connection with the training activities that have brought the two units together, although the precise history of the equipment has not been publicly established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Largest
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air Force Changes Plans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The appearance of CFTs on operational Eagle IIs represents a shift from the original F-15EX procurement approach. When the program began, the Air Force primarily intended to replace its aging F-15C\/D fleet with an aircraft focused on air-superiority and homeland-defense missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequently, the initial operational aircraft were not funded to receive conformal fuel tanks. The service instead expected them to use conventional underwing drop tanks, similar to those carried by earlier F-15 variants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, conventional tanks have disadvantages. A typical 600-gallon external tank carries less fuel than a conformal tank while occupying a hardpoint that could otherwise accommodate weapons or other equipment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CFTs also create additional flexibility for long-range missions, particularly in the Pacific, where limited access to airbases and aerial refueling aircraft could complicate military operations. However, they cannot be jettisoned during flight and can affect aircraft speed and maneuverability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force’s fiscal year 2027 budget proposal also included funding for conformal fuel tanks for all 24 F-15EX aircraft planned under production Lot 8, suggesting that the equipment could become more widely available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Boeing
Photo: USAF<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Expanding Combat Missions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The development coincides with the 142nd Wing’s transition from an exclusively air-to-air-focused organization toward a broader multirole mission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In May and July 2026, the unit conducted its first training-bomb releases, including 24 BDU-50 practice bombs and 12 BDU-56 practice bombs during training activities at Mountain Home, TWZ<\/a> flagged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The wing subsequently achieved another milestone in August and September, dropping live bombs from operational F-15EX aircraft during a deployment to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The exercise marked the first live-bomb releases by an operational F-15EX unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Air Force is also pursuing additional improvements, including a missile approach warning system for the Eagle II. Furthermore, its planned F-15EX fleet has expanded to 267 aircraft, up from the previously stated target of 129, with the larger purchase also intended to help replace aging F-15E Strike Eagles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The two CFT-equipped aircraft therefore represent more than an equipment change. They demonstrate how the Air Force is adapting the F-15EX for longer-range operations and a wider range of combat missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on\u00a0Telegram Group\u00a0<\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on\u00a0Google News<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
Most Powerful Country in the World Commits $2 Billion to Rebuild National Defense Stockpile<\/a><\/blockquote>