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F-15 Eagle Record Holds; First Loss Since 2003, 267 Ordered

7/13/2026

23 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The F-15 Eagle’s record of 104 air-to-air victories and zero defeats since its 1972 debut remains intact despite the toughest combat season in fifty years.
On April 3 2026 an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, the first U.S. aircraft loss to enemy fire since 2003, and crew ejected safely.
The Air Force ordered 267 new F-15EX Eagle IIs, extending the type’s service into the 2040s despite recent combat losses.

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Story summary

The F-15 Eagle’s record of 104 air-to-air victories and zero defeats since its 1972 debut remains intact despite the toughest combat season in fifty years.
On April 3 2026 an F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down over Iran, the first U.S. aircraft loss to enemy fire since 2003, and crew ejected safely.
The Air Force ordered 267 new F-15EX Eagle IIs, extending the type’s service into the 2040s despite recent combat losses.