The first F-15E Strike Eagles equipped with the advanced Eagle Passive/Active Warning and Survivability System (EPAWSS) have touched down at RAF Lakenheath, marking a significant leap in electronic warfare capabilities for the U.S. Air Force in Europe. The arrival of these upgraded aircraft on Jan. 16, signals a major step in the Air Force’s modernization efforts to ensure the F-15 fleet remains effective against evolving threats.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Seleena Muhammad-Ali
The F-15E’s at Lakenheath, assigned to the 494th and 492nd Fighter Squadrons, are now armed with a fully-integrated suite that provides radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection, crucial for operating in today’s dense signal environments. The EPAWSS replaces older technology developed during the Cold War with a next-generation electronic warfare system. The new system is designed to autonomously detect, identify, and locate threat systems and then take action to deny, degrade and disrupt those threats. This is a major improvement in pilot situational awareness.
The EPAWSS is an all-digital system that is smaller and lighter than previous electronic warfare systems used on the F-15. It is designed with flexibility, allowing for future upgrades and the incorporation of new capabilities. The system features advanced radio frequency electronic countermeasures that enable deeper penetration against modern integrated air defense systems. This provides rapid response capabilities and complete aircrew protection. It also has a 360-degree view of the battlespace, enhancing mission success in dense signal environments. The system provides enhanced situational awareness through all-aspect, broadband radar warning and geolocation capabilities. It is also interoperable with Active Electronically Scanned Array radars. EPAWSS also includes a fully integrated AN/ALE-47 chaff and flare Countermeasure Dispenser System. The system also has the capability of simultaneous jamming without interfering with the radar or radar warning receiver.
BAE Systems manufactures the EPAWSS, and Boeing integrates it at their facilities in Nashua, New Hampshire, and San Antonio, Texas. Boeing also manufactures the F-15EX Eagle II in St. Louis, Missouri, which includes the EPAWSS. The U.S. Air Force has been working to modernize its fourth-generation fleet by equipping them with advanced electronic warfare capabilities. The delivery of the first EPAWSS-modified F-15E is a major step in that process.
Lt. Col. Timothy Causey, 494th FS commander, stated that the EPAWSS significantly enhances the ability to detect and counter threats, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of aircrews. He added that when combined with the F-35, the new system acts as a powerful force multiplier, amplifying the 48th Fighter Wing’s impact in the battlespace. The 48th FW is now better prepared for operations in austere environments and to support NATO’s missions across Europe and the Pacific.
Brig. Gen. Jason Voorheis, program executive officer for the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Fighters and Advanced Aircraft Directorate, highlighted the critical importance of the system to the 21st century fighter force, and further noted that the system will improve the survivability and lethality of the F-15E Strike Eagle and F-15EX Eagle II. Lt. Col. Matt Heil, F-15 EPAWSS materiel leader, emphasized that the system’s architecture enables continuous advancement via software updates and improvements, calling it a “game-changer.”
The arrival of the EPAWSS-equipped F-15Es represents a significant leap in the US Air Force’s electronic warfare capabilities in the European theatre and ensures its most lethal fighter remains relevant in the modern battlespace. The Air Force plans to continue to modernize the F-15E fleet to ensure the aircraft remain active and effective against evolving threats.
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