From the outside, many of the US military’s fighter jets can be difficult to discern from one another—especially when the jet’s alphabetical and numerical designations are so similar. The F-15 and the F-16, for example. 

The Air Force operates both jets, which debuted around the same time and which share similar paint schemes. The layperson would be easily forgiven for confusing the two jets. However, the F-15 and F-16, despite similar designations, are very different platforms. Let’s consider what makes each of the Air Force’s fourth-generation fighters unique from one another.  

The F-15 was designed from the outset to dominate the skies. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engines, it delivers an impressive thrust-to-weight ratio that enables sharp climb rates and unmatched acceleration. With a top speed of over Mach 2.5 and a ferry range of roughly 3,450 miles, it’s one of the fastest and farthest-flying fighters in the U.S. arsenal.

What truly sets the F-15 apart is its combat record. Over the decades, it has achieved more than 100 confirmed air-to-air kills without a single loss in aerial combat, a testament to its performance and reliability. Its robust airframe is rated for 9G maneuvers, and its APG-63/70 radar systems allow for engagements beyond visual range, giving it a lethal advantage before opponents even know it’s there.

The F-16 was built with a different philosophy in mind: high agility, multirole versatility, and affordability. Its single-engine design, typically a Pratt & Whitney F100 or GE F110, delivers solid thrust with outstanding fuel efficiency and lower maintenance demands compared to twin-engine fighters. What really made the F-16 revolutionary was its fly-by-wire flight control system, which allows it to pull tight turns and perform precise maneuvers that few jets can match.

Despite being lighter and more compact, the F-16 packs serious combat flexibility. It’s equipped with a side-stick controller and reclined........

© The National Interest