...
By Ryan Chan
China News Reporter
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
The United States has sent advanced versions of the F-15 fighter jet to Kadena Air Base in Japan as part of efforts to respond to China's growing threat.
The U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing—the host unit at Kadena—confirmed the arrival of the F-15EX jets, saying they were there to "conduct integration and familiarization training."
Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email.
Read More on World
Why It Matters
Kadena Air Base is a U.S. air power hub located on Okinawa Island in Japan's southwestern waters. It forms part of the First Island Chain under a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting China's military activities across the Western Pacific Ocean in the event of war.
As the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan—the self-ruled island that China has threatened to take by force—the Pentagon plans to replace Kadena's 48 F-15C/D fighter jets with 36 newer F-15EX jets, which are capable of carrying more air-to-air missiles.
What To Know
According to photos shared by a Japanese aircraft spotter on X (formerly Twitter) and a report by Japanese media, a group of four U.S. Air Force fighter jets comprising a pair of F-15EX jets, an F-15E jet and an F-16C jet—arrived at Kadena Air Base on Saturday.
In a press release issued the same day, the 18th Wing said the F-15EX jets—assigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida—will help prepare Kadena Air Base personnel for the deployment of the advanced combat aircraft in spring 2026.
The visit marked a milestone in the Pentagon's effort to modernize U.S. air power in the region and deter evolving threats, as it provided pilots and maintainers the opportunity to train in the environment where they will operate the aircraft, according to the 18th Wing.
The F-15EX aircraft will ensure Kadena Air Base "remains postured to address the dynamic security environment in the Indo-Pacific region," as they are equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, as well as expanded capabilities, the Japan-based unit explained.
The specialist outlet The War Zone reported in late June that Kadena Air Base is expected to host two squadrons of F-15EX jets, each operating 18 aircraft. However, that number could increase to 21, as the U.S. Air Force has requested an expansion of the total fleet size.
...
While Kadena's fighter jet fleet transitions from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX, the western Pacific base will maintain a steady presence of fighter aircraft through rotational deployments of fourth- and fifth-generation jets, including the F-15E and the stealthy F-35A.
What People Are Saying
The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said in a press release on Saturday: "The 18th Wing remains steadfast in its mission to provide credible combat airpower to deter regional aggression, assure allies and partners, and, if necessary, defend Japan."
U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, said in a press release on Saturday: "This [F-15EX] visit ensures we can seamlessly integrate the aircraft into our mission sets and maintain the airpower advantages needed in this region."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will accelerate the deployment of F-15EX jets at Kadena as China rapidly modernizes its air power with advanced fighter aircraft.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines