National Security Columnist Steve Balestrieri begins 2026 with a familiar question: What is the best fighter jet in the U.S. Air Force?
When it comes to national defense, he writes that “the F-15EX Eagle… is a no-brainer.”
Why? For one, its speed. The Eagle II’s top speed is Mach 2.5, making it the fastest fighter jet in the world. It can also carry more munitions than its peers, with a staggering payload of 29,500 pounds.
Along with its current capabilities, the Air Force has “explored integrating the EA-18G Growler’s new Next Generation Jammer Pods” into the F-15EX, transforming it into an electronic platform “capable of penetrating contested airspace.”
Do you agree that the F-15EX Eagle II is a “no-brainer” for the U.S Air Force? Let us know here!