Eurofighter Typhoon trounces F-15 in war simulation

Nato air forces recently carried out several training engagements known as dact, Dissimilar Aircraft Combat Training. These competitions pit pilots in various aircraft against each other to see how the various craft measure up.

In this test case, the Eurofighter Typhoon proved to be far superior to the F-15.

The 111 Squadron of the Spanish Air Force was deployed for training against the 493rd Squadron of the U.S. Air Force. The Spaniards deployed a total of six Eurofighter Typhoons. America sent F-15 variants. The trial took place near Gando Air Base, Gran Canaria. The results were startling.

Two Eurofighters managed to destroy a formation of eight F-15s. The first Eurofighter managed to “shoot down” four F-15s, while the second quickly disabled three.

According to the Eurofighter press office, the Spanish commander of the 111 squad reported that the Eurofighters “enjoyed full control of the engagement,” even though the numerically superior F-15s played the role of attacker.

U.S. Air Force enthusiasts will be quick to point out that the F-15 is an older aircraft—built during the 1980s—and that it would have been surprising if the Typhoon had not proved superior. Had the F-22 Raptor been deployed, the results might have been different.

However, the F-22 is a bit of a non-argument when it comes to the defense of America. Last June, the Senate voted to mothball the F-22 production program. Over $60 billion was spent developing, building and maintaining the 187 planes that have been made. The F-35, America’s next fighter won’t reach full production until 2014.

The reality is that for now, the 614 F-15s (and its 1,262 F-16 siblings) remain the backbone of America’s air defenses. But it is a backbone that is more exposed than most people would admit.

For more on America’s rapidly aging air force, read “Gray Hairs: America’s Aging Air Force.”