F-15 Eagle vs Su-27: how to tell them apart

Two combat aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

F-15 Eagle

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 1976

What gives it away

Large twin-engine fighter with two tall vertical tails, a big flat wing and wide box intakes either side of the cockpit.

Used by

USA, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Japan, South Korea, Qatar, Singapore

Su-27

Combat aircraft, Soviet Union. In service since 1985

What gives it away

Twin fins, long tail sting between widely spaced engines, large swept wing and no canards.

Used by

Russia, Ukraine, China, Kazakhstan

F-15 Eagle · Su-27 · All guides