With the production of the F/A-18 nearing its end, Boeing is considering the F-15EX Eagle II as a potential successor to the EA-18G Growler. The new F-15EX Wild Weasel variant would leverage both existing capabilities of the aircraft and new features integrated from the Growler.
“We are evaluating the technical feasibility of integrating the EA-18G capabilities with the F-15EX platform,” said Rob Novotny, Boeing’s Executive Director of Fighter Business Development.
He noted that the study is still in its early stages, but the company is already exploring options for both NATO countries and the Indo-Pacific region. This move is linked to the planned end of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet production in 2027, which means the production of EA-18G Growler will also come to a close.
“Modern air combat requires mastery of the electromagnetic spectrum, and this platform will lead the way for the next decade or two,” Novotny said, adding that the Eagle II offers several advantages, including range, speed, computational power, and payload capacity.
A stealth aircraft like the F-35 might seem better suited for this role, but Boeing argues that “stealth” shouldn’t be viewed purely in terms of low observability. Just like with the Growler, these capabilities can also be achieved through advanced electronic warfare features.
“For me, stealth means I can go where the enemy doesn’t want me to go, operate in their environment, achieve my objective, and not be a target,” said Rob Novotny.
The F-15EX is already equipped with advanced electronic warfare capabilities through the EPAWSS system and can also carry high-speed anti-radiation missiles (HARMs) like the AGM-88. Additionally, Boeing is considering integrating the advanced AGM-88G extended-range missiles and the new Next Generation Jammer (NGJ) airborne electronic warfare system. However, there is no naval variant of the Eagle II, so it appears that this aircraft would not be able to operate from an aircraft carrier deck, unlike the Growler.
The F-15EX emerged after the U.S. National Defense Strategy focused on adapting to threats from China and Russia. While the aircraft is similar to the F-15QA variant, it includes features unique to the U.S., such as the AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS electronic warfare and reconnaissance system and Open Mission Systems architecture.
The F-15EX is equipped with the fastest onboard computer, the Advanced Display Core Processor II. It also has the AN/APG-82(V)1 radar with an active electronically scanned array, which allows simultaneous detection, identification, and tracking of multiple targets. The EPAWSS system, used exclusively in the U.S., provides a comprehensive suite of electronic warfare capabilities.
Based on the F/A-18F, the Growler is a Super Hornet modification designed for electronic warfare. The most noticeable difference from the standard model is the presence of pods housing the ALQ-218 receiver suite for detecting emitters and signals. The EA-18G is also equipped with an advanced airborne electronic warfare avionics suite, developed from the Improved Capability (ICAP) system. It is anticipated that future upgrades to the Growler could enable it to conduct cyber attacks.
The EA-18G is expected to be equipped with the new AARGM-ER missile, a variant of the AGM-88 HARM. This medium-range missile is designed to suppress and/or destroy enemy air defense systems and is equipped with a WAU-7/B fragmentation warhead. According to the U.S. Navy, the AARGM can counter radar shutdowns, better process signals to detect and locate targets, and assist crews in determining missile engagement zones and avoidance zones.
Source: theaviationist
