US F-15EX successfully tests new missile stations
The F-15EX Eagle II adds four additional missile stations compared to other F-15 models. (Photo: USAF)
The US Air Force has validated that weapons can be fired effectively and safely from the F-15EX’s new weapon stations, adding additional payload capacity to the aircraft.
Two USAF F-15EX Eagle II aircraft have launched missiles from their new weapons stations, known as Stations 1 and 9, over the Gulf of Mexico.
The test fire took place at the end of November, but the USAF only revealed it on 4 January.
The pilots fired an AIM-130 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) from Station 1 and an AIM-9X Sidewinder from station 9.
Both aircraft successfully released the missiles on separate passes against a target UAS.
This was the first USAF test flight to validate that weapons could be fired effectively and safely from these weapon stations.
The successful employment of these weapons, the USAF said, is a major step in demonstrating the Eagle II aircraft’s capacity of 12 air-to-air missiles.
While other F-15 variants can only carry eight air-to-air missiles, the F-15EX Eagle II adds four additional missile stations located toward the wing tips.
The recent missile launches pushed forward the aircraft’s integrated developmental and operational testing, just nine months after the first missile fire from the Eagle II.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market]()
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market
At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date
The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
-
![IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025]()
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025
While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
-
![IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment]()
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment
AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
