I would imagine that this was built and designed to keep the assembly line open, as well as have an offering that is exportable to Japan and Australia. I know that both countries want the Raptor and are being held up by congress(good thing!). I think this is a good compromise for them and it will complement the F35. And its something they are equiped to repair and maintain without massive amounts of new training. The engines are the same, airframe is probably similar. Id bet that at least 50% of the plane is similar to what they have already, at least in the case of Japan as Australia doesnt have F15s currently. I think this would be a great complement to go with the Raptor as well. F22, F15SE and F35 would be a devistating airwing. I dont think the 3D thrust vectoring from the F15ACTIVE is needed. While the fancy floats, stalls and Cobras are pretty in an airshow, and sell Sukhois to the Indians, no pilot worth his wings would try it in a dog fight. Id love it if someone tried. Id have a big ol’ surface area to lock onto. This airframe was not designed for thrust vectoring like the F22 was and it will put undue stress on the frame causing it to fautigue quicker. Increasing maintence and the overall life if the plane. Increases the cost ect ect. I think the USAF should really consider this as a replacement for some of its older F15s and as a complement beyond 2025. Because we wont have enough Raptors to replace every Eagle. And I know that the Raptor is more capable but id still be more comfortable with a complete numbers replacement. 176 Raptors is not enough even with its 10-1 kill ratio.
It is also the cheapest way to contain China’s ambitions.