United States F-15E Strike Eagles returned from a Middle East deployment with bomb markings and horror-themed nose painting. Signaling an aggressive combat role amid escalating regional tensions.
After their tour in the Middle East, the F-15E Strike Eagles returned to their home base at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, with unique bomb markings and horror-themed nose art. Split into two cells with radio callsigns TABOR 81-86 and 91-92, and supported by KC-46A Pegasus tankers CLEAN 31 and 32, the first eight of twelve F-15E Strike Eagles from the 366th Fighter Wing arrived at RAF Mildenhall, UK, at 08:34 AM local time on July 18, 2025, on their way back to Mountain Home AFB.
The jets were deployed to Jordan in October 2024, amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran. Their goal was to discourage aggression and avoid a bigger regional conflict following Israel’s targeted assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon. Before increasing their regional presence, US officials emphasized Iran’s threat of an imminent ballistic missile attack on Israel. That threat became apparent on October 1, 2024, and by October 7, the F-15Es had passed through RAF Lakenheath on their way to deployment in the region.
Few facts have been released about the missions flown by the 389th Fighter Squadron during this tour. However, the bomb marks and nose art depicting horror movie figures on the aircraft indicate significant missions. The markings show the usage of JDAMs (Joint Direct Attack Munitions), AGM-158 JASSMs (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles), and AGR-20 APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II) laser-guided rockets. Some red lightning bolt symbols occur, most likely denoting unidentified weapons.
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F-15E Strike Eagle Power Update — Quick Facts:
- AGR-20 APKWS II Rockets Deployed:- F-15Es spotted carrying 42 laser-guided AGR-20 rockets at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan.
- Possible JASSM Use in Middle East:- AGM-158 JASSMs may have been used in Operation Midnight Hammer targeting Iran’s nuclear sites — not yet officially confirmed.
- F-15E “Bomb Truck” Capability: Can carry up to 15 JDAMs — six per wing, three on centerline — proven in 2021 tests and later deployments.
- High Firepower Loadout:Each F-15E can carry 6 LAU-131 pods (42 APKWS rockets) + 8 air-to-air missiles — up to 50 engagements per sortie!
- Cost-Effective Precision: APKWS costs $30K per rocket, far cheaper than AIM-9X ($450K) or AIM-120 ($1M+).
- FALCO Program Upgrade: AGR-20 optimized for air-to-air anti-drone missions; proven highly effective in counter-UAS ops.
- New Dual-Mode Seeker: BAE adds infrared + laser guidance, expanding target engagement range.
- Nose Art Tradition:Strike Eagles proudly display
Information Source- Popsmokemedia.com