# Air Force Awards Boeing F-15EX Lot 7

The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a **$2.38 billion** Lot 7 contract on September 29, 2026, for 22 F-15EX Eagle II fighters, using fiscal 2026 and reconciliation-package funding before the September 30 spending deadline. The award brings Boeing’s contracted total to 120 aircraft across Lots 1–7, while the Air Force’s planned fleet has grown from a previous cap of 98 to more than 260 aircraft. Boeing and the Air Force are working toward a production rate of two aircraft per month, but suppliers should account for inflation, production disruptions, and schedule uncertainty; full operational capability is expected in February 2028.

- Suppliers can assess whether their production capacity and offerings support potential aircraft, engine, and production-support demand as the F-15EX line ramps up. GE Aerospace engines are identified as a related supply-chain opportunity.
- The award sustains the planned 22-aircraft lot, but the signals describe a contract award—not an open solicitation for other vendors.
- Companies supporting the program should factor in production delays, inflation pressures, and the technical refresh needed to address obsolete systems when evaluating schedule and affordability risks.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- United States Air Force (USAF)
- Department of the Air Force (DAF)

### Vendors
- Boeing (awardee)
- GE Aerospace (engine supplier)

### Key Quotes
> Lot 7 reflects a disciplined approach to executing available resources while balancing the realities affecting defense production.
> — Brig. Gen. Timothy Helfrich, portfolio acquisition executive

> demonstrates what is possible when the acquisition enterprise moves with purpose.
> — Col. Jonathan Varoli, system program manager

### Sources
- [1/ "The Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38 billion contract for 22 F-15EX Eagle II fighters on Sept. 29, narrowly meeting a deadline to use funds from last summer’s reconciliation bill or face cuts."
https://t.co/S6mzybaBht](https://x.com/GuyPlopsky/status/2105204330886554045) - twitter-defense
- [The U.S. Air Force awarded Boeing a $2.38B contract for 22 F-15EX Eagle II fighters under Lot 7, bringing total aircraft under contract to 120. The fleet requirement has expanded from a capped 98 to more than 260 airframes. #aviation #Boeing

https://t.co/Gw5YbHa09R](https://x.com/AirProNews/status/2105108099568742599) - twitter-defense
- [US Air Force awards $2.38B contract to Boeing for 22 F-15EX](https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/09/30/us-air-force-awards-238b-contract-to-boeing-for-22-f-15ex) - defensenews.com