US Air Force F-15E Eagles fighter jets intercept 70 Iranian drones aimed at Israel.

According to The Aviationist on April 15, 2024, F-15E Strike Eagles fighter jets from the US Air Force's 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons intercepted 70 Iranian drones during an attack on Israel. The attack on April 14, 2024, involved Israeli air defenses engaging 170 one-way 'kamikaze' drones, 120 medium-range ballistic missiles, and 30 cruise missiles launched from Iran, with contributions from Houthi allies in Yemen and Iranian-backed proxies in Iraq.
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The F-15E Strike Eagle is an advanced dual-role fighter aircraft designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, which can operate at speeds up to approximately Mach 2.5. (Picture source: US Air Force)

The Israeli Defense Forces reported successfully repelling over 300 incoming threats, including various drone models, land attack cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, with assistance from the United States, United Kingdom, and Jordan.

F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath, UK, and the 335th Fighter Squadron stationed at Seymour Johnson AFB, North Carolina, contributed to the defense efforts. According to US Central Command, coordinated efforts with European Command destroyers successfully engaged and destroyed more than 80 one-way attack drones and six ballistic missiles launched towards Israel from Iran and Yemen.

The 494th and 335th Fighter Squadrons reportedly intercepted 70 Iranian drones, as confirmed by senior US officials. Additionally, US Navy assets, including the USS Arleigh Burke and Carney in the Eastern Mediterranean, intercepted several ballistic missiles, while a US Army Patriot battery near Erbil downed one ballistic missile. However, Israeli defenses, primarily utilizing Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 systems, neutralized the majority of incoming missiles.

While specific details about the armament used by the F-15Es remain undisclosed, images suggest they were equipped with a typical loadout of various missile types and targeting systems. The F-15E's M61A1 gun may have also contributed to drone interceptions, as the M61A1 Vulcan cannon on the F-15E Strike Eagle is a six-barrel, 20mm Gatling-style weapon capable of firing up to 6,000 rounds per minute.

President Biden acknowledged the efforts of the squadrons, commending their performance in safeguarding Israel against the aerial assault by Iran. The deployment of F-15E Strike Eagles from the 494th Fighter Squadron based at RAF Lakenheath, UK, to the US Central Command area of responsibility in October 2023 aimed to strengthen US posture and enhance air operations throughout the Middle East, with aircraft stationed at Muwaffaq Salti/Al-Azraq Air Base in Jordan.

Concerns persist over Iran's actions, prompting continued vigilance and cooperation among regional partners to ensure security. The incident highlights ongoing challenges in the Middle East and emphasizes the critical role played by multinational forces in maintaining stability amidst evolving security threats.

The F-15E Strike Eagle is an advanced dual-role fighter aircraft, designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Originating from the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, the F-15E has been tailored to perform deep-strike missions and can operate at speeds up to approximately Mach 2.5. Its design incorporates advanced avionics and electronic warfare capabilities, enabling it to execute various operations including precision strikes and suppression of enemy air defenses independently, without needing fighter escort or electronic warfare support. This capability aligns with the requirements of contemporary aerial warfare which demands versatility and the ability to engage diverse targets.

The aircraft is equipped with radar systems and powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 engines, enhancing its maneuverability and speed. It is armed with air-to-air missiles such as AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-120 AMRAAMs, along with multiple air-to-ground munitions, allowing it to target a broad range of enemy assets. The F-15E also includes conformal fuel tanks designed to extend its range and endurance while reducing aerodynamic drag. Its sensor and targeting systems, including forward-looking infrared and laser designators, support its role in both air superiority and ground attack missions.