It is being claimed by the now normal, 'anonymous sources'
Anonymous sources have been normal since... I have no idea when, but do you remember Chapman Pincher in the Express?
Previously, the USAF had stated categorically that it had no intentions to buy any new version of the F-15
Sorta. Civilian leadership denied that the USAF had discussed anything of the sort when in fact a two-star had talked about such ideas in an industry forum.
Could this be a step change in thinking of going with a mixed fleet of long range, missile trucks to complement the F-22/35
If you think that there is a threat from Russian bombers armed with cruise missiles, this would be a sound idea.
Or, as is suggested in the article, down to the machinations of a former Boeing exec who is now in an influential position at the Puzzle Palace?
He is no dummy, and I would be surprised if he'd crossed any lines.
If the story turns out to be true, and the purchase is only going to be 12 new build airframes
If we're talking about replacing Guard (and Reserve?) F-15s it will be more than that. Given the F-15 backlog, they can take their time. We'll see what the FYDP numbers are.