The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F-15 Eagle entered U.S. Air Force service in 1976 as a high-performance air superiority fighter, developed in response to the lessons of the Vietnam War and the need to counter advanced Soviet fighters. It was designed for exceptional speed, climb rate, maneuverability, and advanced avionics, allowing it to excel in air-to-air combat. The F-15C variant focused on air superiority missions, equipped with long-range missiles, a powerful radar, and a M61 Vulcan cannon, while the F-15E Strike Eagle introduced a multirole capability, including precision strike, long-range interdiction, and all-weather operations.

Over its decades of service, the F-15 has maintained an undefeated air-to-air combat record, participated in operations such as Desert Storm, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom, and continues to be a backbone of U.S. tactical airpower. Modern upgrades in avionics, radar, and weapons have ensured its relevance even alongside fifth-generation fighters like the F-22 Raptor.