First F-15Es Equipped With EPAWSS Ready for Flight

January 23, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle arrives at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Jan. 15, 2025. The F-15E Strike Eagles aircraft are equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System marking the delivery of the first F-15E’s integrated with one of the world’s most advanced electronic warfare suites in the European theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali)

Two F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) arrived at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Jan. 16, 2025, marking the delivery of the first F-15E Strike Eagles integrated with one of the world’s most advanced electronic warfare suites.

EPAWSS provides both the F-15E and F-15EX with fully integrated radar warning as well as advanced jamming and countermeasure employment capability in highly contested environments, according to EPAWSS manufacturer BAE Systems. BAE Systems also highlights that EPAWSS provides pilots and battle managers with “maximum situational awareness by collecting and processing electromagnetic energy, instantaneously creating a comprehensive, 360-degree picture of the battlespace.”

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle arrives at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom, Jan. 15, 2025. The F-15E’s came equipped with the Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System following the Air Force’s modernization plan to the F-15E fleet, ensuring these aircraft remain active and effective against evolving threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Vasquez)

The upgraded F-15Es have been assigned to RAF Lakenheath's F-15E fighter squadrons, with one going to the 494th Fighter Squadron and the other to the 492nd FS ensuring both units benefit and train with the F-15E's enhanced capabilities.

“Having EPAWSS operational at RAF Lakenheath significantly enhances our ability to detect and counter threats, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of our crews,” said Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, 494th FS commander. “This advanced electronic warfare system, when combined with the F-35s, acts as a powerful force multiplier, transforming our operations and amplifying the 48th Fighter Wing’s impact in the battlespace.”

The Air Force has been working to modernize the F-15E fleet, ensuring the aircraft remain effective against evolving threats. The EPAWSS upgrade is designed to enhance the F-15E’s radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness and self-defense capabilities, enabling the fighters to survive and operate in highly contested environments.

The new system boosts pilot’s situational awareness by autonomously detecting, identifying and locating threat systems. The system can then take proactive measures to deny, degrade and disrupt those threats.

The delivery of these upgraded F-15E Strike Eagles represents a major milestone in the Air Force’s ongoing efforts to modernize its fourth-generation fleet.

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