US Air Force to keep F-15C/D “Platinum Eagles” in service until 2031

The US Air Force has announced plans to extend the service life of its F-15C/D fighter jets, known as “Platinum Eagles,” until fiscal year 2031, several years beyond the previously planned retirement at the end of 2026. 

The decision will see the older aircraft transition from overseas deployments to homeland defence missions, as noted by The National Interest (NI).

According to a report submitted to Congress in August, divestment of the F-15C/D fleet is “nearly complete,” and the most viable jets will continue to operate alongside the newer F-15EX Eagle II fighters, which are increasingly being deployed for homeland defence. 

The report notes that many of the F-15C/Ds, procured in the 1970s through 1990s, are operating beyond their original service lives, resulting in higher maintenance requirements and sustainment costs.

An Air Force official said the 21 most viable F-15C/Ds will be maintained at Fresno, home of the California Air National Guard’s 144th Fighter Wing, until full divestment in 2031.

The move comes as the Air Force gradually expands its F-35 Lightning II fleet, which is intended to eventually replace older aircraft like the F-15C/D.

By Aghakazim Guliyev