Nevada: IAF Chief AP Singh Flies F-15EX Eagle II in Rare Sortie During US Visit to Nellis Air Force Base
Nevada: Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh recently experienced a hands-on familiarisation flight in the advanced Boeing F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet while visiting the United States. The sortie took place at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, a premier hub for advanced combat training and operational testing, as part of his official trip last week.
According to ANI, Air Chief Marshal Singh flew the aircraft alongside US Air Force Major Matthew Benson from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. This flight allowed the IAF chief to gain direct insight into the capabilities of one of the most sophisticated fighters in the American inventory.
The F-15EX Eagle II represents an upgraded version of the legendary F-15 series. Capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 2.5 (around 3,087 km/h) and operating at altitudes of 50,000 feet, the jet can carry a substantial payload of up to 29,500 pounds (13,381 kg). It features modern enhancements including digital fly-by-wire controls, an all-glass cockpit, advanced mission systems, and open-architecture software. Designed for long service life exceeding 20,000 hours, the aircraft is considered vital for air dominance and collaborative defence efforts in the Indo-Pacific region. It can also launch hypersonic weapons and operate effectively in contested airspace.
The familiarisation sortie formed part of broader engagements during the visit. Air Chief Marshal Singh held discussions with senior US Air Force officials, including US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach at the Pentagon on April 10, and Brigadier General David C. Epperson, commander of the US Air Force Warfare Center. The talks centred on strengthening bilateral cooperation in modernisation, joint exercises, operational coordination, and sharing best practices in advanced technologies, with special emphasis on the Indo-Pacific.
This interaction highlights the growing defence partnership between India and the United States in the realm of air power and strategic collaboration.
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