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F-15 Eagle vs F-16 Fighting Falcon: Complete Comparison (2026) | Comparison

The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine air superiority fighter with an undefeated 104-0 combat record. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a lighter, cheaper, single-engine multirole fighter and the most produced Western fighter jet. F-15 for air dominance, F-16 for versatility and value.

FE

F-15 Eagle

Twin-engine air superiority fighter, 104-0 combat record

Air superiority and deep strike missions

Score56%
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VS
FF

F-16 Fighting Falcon

Single-engine multirole fighter, most produced Western jet

Multirole missions and cost-effective air power

Score56%
Check Price

Quick Answer

AI Summary

The F-15 Eagle is a twin-engine air superiority fighter with an undefeated 104-0 combat record. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a lighter, cheaper, single-engine multirole fighter and the most produced Western fighter jet. F-15 for air dominance, F-16 for versatility and value.

Our Verdict

AI-assisted

The F-15 is the superior air-to-air platform with more power, range, and payload. The F-16 is the better value — cheaper, more versatile, and adequate for most missions. Both remain frontline fighters for the US and Israel.

Community feedback

Was this verdict helpful?

F
F-15 Eagle
8/10
F-16 Fighting Falcon
7/10
F
F

Choose F-15 Eagle if

Best pick

Air superiority and deep strike missions

F

Choose F-16 Fighting Falcon if

Multirole missions and cost-effective air power

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Key Differences at a Glance

  • Top Speed:✓ F-15 Eagle wins(Mach 2.5 vs Mach 2.0)
  • Engines:✓ F-15 Eagle wins(2x F100/F110 vs 1x F100/F110)
  • Air Combat Record:✓ F-15 Eagle wins(104-0 vs 76-1)
See all 6 differences

Key Facts & Figures

5 numeric metrics compared

MetricF-15 EagleF-16 Fighting FalconRatio
Max Speed(Mach)2.52.0
Combat Radius(km)1,967547
Weapons Payload(lbs)23,00017,000
Unit Cost(USD)$30-40M$14-18M
Units Produced1,200+4,600+

Sourced from publicly available data ·

Key Differences

6 attributes compared head-to-head

FE
4F-15 Eagle
F-15 Eagle leads
FF
2F-16 Fighting Falcon
  • Top Speed

    F-15 Eagle

    Mach 2.5(winner)

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    Mach 2.0

  • Engines

    F-15 Eagle

    2x F100/F110(winner)

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    1x F100/F110

  • Air Combat Record

    F-15 Eagle

    104-0(winner)

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    76-1

  • Unit Cost

    F-15 Eagle

    $30-40M

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    $14-18M(winner)

  • Payload

    F-15 Eagle

    23,000 lbs(winner)

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    17,000 lbs

  • Units Produced

    F-15 Eagle

    1,200+

    F-16 Fighting Falcon

    4,600+(winner)

Full Comparison

FF-15 Eagle
FF-16 Fighting Falcon
Max Speed(Mach)
2.5
2.0
Combat Radius(km)
1,967
547
Weapons Payload(lbs)
23,000
17,000
Unit Cost(USD)
$30-40M
$14-18M
Units Produced
1,200+
4,600+

Pros & Cons

10 pros·8 cons across both

FE
FF
FE

F-15 Eagle

+5-4

Pros

  • 104-0 air combat record
  • Twin engines (survivability)
  • Larger weapons payload
  • Higher top speed (Mach 2.5)
  • Longer range

Cons

  • More expensive ($30-40M)
  • Larger radar signature
  • Higher operating costs
  • Heavier
FF

F-16 Fighting Falcon

+5-4

Pros

  • Lower cost ($14-18M)
  • Excellent maneuverability (9G capable)
  • 4,600+ produced worldwide
  • Versatile (air-to-air and ground attack)
  • Lower operating cost

Cons

  • Single engine (less survivable)
  • Smaller payload
  • Shorter range
  • Less powerful radar

Frequently Asked Questions

2 questions

  1. Israel operates both — F-15I Ra'am for long-range strike and F-16I Sufa for multirole missions. Both are heavily modified with Israeli electronics and weapons systems.

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