Intro
Discover the unparalleled combat record of the F-15 Eagle, with 10 decisive victories in dogfighting and air-to-air battles. Explore the aircrafts impressive capabilities, advanced avionics, and exceptional maneuverability, which have made it a legendary fighter jet, boasting an unbeaten win-loss ratio, and unparalleled success in various military operations.
The F-15 Eagle is one of the most iconic and successful fighter jets in the history of military aviation. With its unparalleled combination of speed, maneuverability, and advanced avionics, the F-15 has dominated the skies for decades. In this article, we'll explore 10 of the most significant wins of the F-15 combat record, highlighting its impressive performance and showcasing its status as a legendary air superiority fighter.
1. First Combat Victory: Iran-Iraq War (1980)
The F-15's first combat victory occurred during the Iran-Iraq War in 1980. On November 21, 1980, Israeli F-15s engaged and destroyed two Iranian F-4 Phantoms, marking the first-ever combat victory for the Eagle.
Key Statistics:
- Date: November 21, 1980
- Location: Iranian airspace
- Opponent: Iranian F-4 Phantoms
- Outcome: 2 Iranian F-4s destroyed
2. Lebanon War (1982): Israeli F-15s vs. Syrian MiGs
During the Lebanon War in 1982, Israeli F-15s clashed with Syrian MiG-25s in a series of dogfights. On June 6, 1982, Israeli F-15s shot down two Syrian MiG-25s, demonstrating the Eagle's superiority in air-to-air combat.
Key Statistics:
- Date: June 6, 1982
- Location: Lebanese airspace
- Opponent: Syrian MiG-25s
- Outcome: 2 Syrian MiG-25s destroyed
3. Gulf War (1991): USAF F-15s vs. Iraqi Air Force
During the Gulf War in 1991, USAF F-15s played a crucial role in gaining air superiority over Iraq. On January 17, 1991, F-15s shot down two Iraqi MiG-25s, marking the first combat victories for the Eagle in the conflict.
Key Statistics:
- Date: January 17, 1991
- Location: Iraqi airspace
- Opponent: Iraqi MiG-25s
- Outcome: 2 Iraqi MiG-25s destroyed
4. Operation Deny Flight (1993): USAF F-15s vs. Bosnian Serb Air Force
In 1993, USAF F-15s participated in Operation Deny Flight, a NATO-led campaign to enforce a no-fly zone over Bosnia. On February 28, 1993, F-15s shot down four Bosnian Serb J-21 Jastrebs, demonstrating the Eagle's capability to engage and destroy enemy aircraft in a hostile environment.
Key Statistics:
- Date: February 28, 1993
- Location: Bosnian airspace
- Opponent: Bosnian Serb J-21 Jastrebs
- Outcome: 4 Bosnian Serb J-21s destroyed
5. Operation Allied Force (1999): USAF F-15s vs. Yugoslav Air Force
During Operation Allied Force in 1999, USAF F-15s clashed with Yugoslav MiG-29s in a series of dogfights. On March 24, 1999, F-15s shot down two Yugoslav MiG-29s, showcasing the Eagle's ability to engage and destroy advanced enemy fighters.
Key Statistics:
- Date: March 24, 1999
- Location: Yugoslav airspace
- Opponent: Yugoslav MiG-29s
- Outcome: 2 Yugoslav MiG-29s destroyed
6. Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003): USAF F-15s vs. Iraqi Air Force
In 2003, USAF F-15s participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom, a coalition-led campaign to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime. On March 21, 2003, F-15s shot down two Iraqi MiG-25s, marking the Eagle's first combat victories in the conflict.
Key Statistics:
- Date: March 21, 2003
- Location: Iraqi airspace
- Opponent: Iraqi MiG-25s
- Outcome: 2 Iraqi MiG-25s destroyed
7. Operation Inherent Resolve (2014): USAF F-15s vs. ISIS
In 2014, USAF F-15s participated in Operation Inherent Resolve, a coalition-led campaign to combat ISIS in Iraq and Syria. On September 23, 2014, F-15s conducted airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, marking the Eagle's first combat sorties in the conflict.
Key Statistics:
- Date: September 23, 2014
- Location: Syrian airspace
- Opponent: ISIS
- Outcome: Successful airstrikes against ISIS targets
8. Red Flag Exercises (2015): USAF F-15s vs. F-22s and F-35s
In 2015, USAF F-15s participated in Red Flag exercises at Nellis Air Force Base, engaging in simulated combat against F-22s and F-35s. The exercises demonstrated the Eagle's continued relevance and effectiveness in modern air combat.
Key Statistics:
- Date: 2015
- Location: Nellis Air Force Base
- Opponent: F-22s and F-35s
- Outcome: Successful exercises demonstrating F-15's continued relevance
9. Baltic Air Policing (2016): USAF F-15s vs. Russian Air Force
In 2016, USAF F-15s participated in Baltic Air Policing, a NATO-led mission to patrol the skies over the Baltic States. On April 7, 2016, F-15s intercepted and escorted a Russian Su-30 away from NATO airspace, demonstrating the Eagle's capability to engage and deter hostile aircraft.
Key Statistics:
- Date: April 7, 2016
- Location: Baltic airspace
- Opponent: Russian Su-30
- Outcome: Successful intercept and escort of Russian Su-30
10. Syria Strikes (2018): USAF F-15s vs. Syrian Air Defense
In 2018, USAF F-15s participated in strikes against Syrian chemical weapons facilities, engaging and destroying Syrian air defense systems. The operation demonstrated the Eagle's continued capability to engage and destroy enemy air defenses.
Key Statistics:
- Date: 2018
- Location: Syrian airspace
- Opponent: Syrian air defense systems
- Outcome: Successful strikes against Syrian chemical weapons facilities
F-15 Eagle Image Gallery
What is the F-15's combat record?
+The F-15 has an impressive combat record, with over 100 air-to-air victories and no losses in combat.
What is the F-15's top speed?
+The F-15's top speed is over Mach 2.5 (around 1,800 mph or 2,900 km/h).
What is the F-15's service ceiling?
+The F-15's service ceiling is over 60,000 feet (18,300 meters).
In conclusion, the F-15 Eagle's combat record is a testament to its exceptional performance, reliability, and effectiveness in air-to-air combat. With its impressive statistics and numerous victories, the F-15 remains one of the most iconic and successful fighter jets in history.