F-16 vs F-15
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Single-engine multirole fighter jet emphasizing versatility, agility, and cost-effectiveness across diverse military missions.
Allied nations seeking affordable, multipurpose fighters; air forces requiring diverse mission capability; countries with limited defense budgets
VS
BF
Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX
Twin-engine air superiority fighter designed for sustained high-altitude performance, long-range interception, and homeland defense.
Primary air defense roles; nations prioritizing air superiority and sustained performance; long-range homeland defense operations
Short Answer
The F-15 is a specialized air superiority fighter with superior speed (Mach 2.5), range (3,450 miles), and ceiling (65,000 feet), while the F-16 is a versatile multirole fighter with lower operational costs, greater agility, and broader mission flexibility. The F-15 dominates pure performance metrics; the F-16 excels in affordability and adaptability.
Our Verdict
Choose the F-16 if you need a cost-effective, versatile multirole fighter that can perform diverse missions from air combat to ground strike with lower operational expenses and greater pilot accessibility—ideal for allied nations and budget-conscious air forces. Choose the F-15 if air superiority and sustained high-altitude performance are paramount, with superior range, speed, and ceiling enabling longer-range interception and homeland defense—best suited for primary air defense roles.
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon5
10Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX
Choose General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon if
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Key Differences at a Glance
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Ferry Range: Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX wins (3,450+ miles (3,000 nm) vs 2,002 miles (1,740 nm))
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Service Ceiling: Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX wins (65,000 feet vs 50,000+ feet)
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Engine Configuration: Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX wins (Dual turbofan engines vs Single turbofan engine)
Key Facts & Figures
| Metric | General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon | Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ferry Range(miles) | 2,002 miles | 3,450+ miles | -42% |
| Service Ceiling(feet) | 50,000+ feet | 65,000 feet | -23% |
| Thrust Output(pounds) | 27,000 pounds | Significantly higher (dual engines) |
Key Differences
General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Attribute
Boeing F-15 Eagle / F-15EX
2,002 miles (1,740 nm)
Ferry Range
3,450+ miles (3,000 nm)🏆
50,000+ feet
Service Ceiling
65,000 feet🏆
Single turbofan engine
Engine Configuration
Dual turbofan engines
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Last updated: May 6, 2026AI generated
