Derived from the legacy F-15 Eagle, the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle is a strike-fighter aircraft that first flew in 1986. The Strike Eagle was designed to be a high-speed interdiction aircraft capable of reaching targets deep within enemy territory without the support of additional escort aircraft. Distinguishing itself from the legacy Eagles, the F-15Es feature a dark gunship grey paint scheme and are fully equipped to carry-out ground-attack missions. Strike Eagles have been used extensively in military operations in the Middle East and in 2024 a derivative of the Strike Eagle - the F-15EX Enhanced Eagle, entered service with the United States Air Force.