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US Air Force Opens F-15EX, F-16 Engine Production to Competition

August 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

US Air Force to open F-15EX and F-16 engine production to competition.
Current suppliers face quality control and delivery issues.
Combined demand could exceed 180 engines a year by FY 2034.
US Air Force seeks new engine solutions and improved manufacturing capacity.

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Strategic Implications

This move may indicate the US Air Force's growing dissatisfaction with current engine suppliers and their ability to meet demand. The introduction of competition could lead to improved quality control, reduced delays, and increased investment in new technology, which suggests a shift towards more efficient and reliable engine production. The US Air Force's emphasis on strategic competition may also signal a broader effort to revitalize the military engine sector, which could have significant implications for the industry as a whole.

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What Happened

Service Seeks New Propulsion Suppliers Amid Quality Control Issues

The US Air Force is preparing to open fighter engine production for the F-15EX Eagle II and F-16 Fighting Falcon to competition, citing delays, quality control problems, and disappearing suppliers in the industrial base. The service has published a request for information, seeking companies that can develop, produce, and sustain engines for US Air Force and Foreign Military Sales aircraft. The move comes as the US Air Force expands its F-15EX buy and brokers engine deals for foreign F-15 and F-16 operators. According to AeroTime, the US Air Force is weighing order volumes tied to each supplier’s performance and has asked companies to propose incentives for delivery punctuality, quality, and responsiveness to operational requirements.

Source | Originally Published: August 3, 2026

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