F-15EX combat aircraft move to Japan for training exercises with Kadena base anticipating the arrival of fresh jets.
The U.S. Air Force is modernizing its airpower in Japan, with Kadena Air Base set to receive a fleet of 36 advanced F-15EX Eagle II jets next spring. This transition marks a significant step forward, replacing the aging F-15C/D Eagles that have been based in Okinawa for the past five decades.
The arrival of the F-15EX Eagle IIs is expected to be a smooth process, according to Air Force leaders. The new jets, which feature cutting-edge avionics, advanced weapon systems, and expanded offensive and defensive capabilities, will ensure Kadena remains postured to address the dynamic regional security environment.
Since 2022, Kadena Air Base has been hosting rotating fighter jets, including fifth-generation F-35s and F-22s as well as fourth-generation F-15Es and F-16s. This deployment of two F-15EX Eagle II fighters from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, is a key milestone in this transition process.
The initial deployment also involved participation in regional exercises such as Resolute Force Pacific 2025, further integrating the new jets into the operational environment. The training at Kadena Air Base is intended to familiarize local units with the new jets and prepare them for the permanent arrival of the F-15EX fleet next spring.
Meanwhile, Misawa Air Base in Japan began transferring its F-16s to Osan Air Base in South Korea in June. The Air Force will rotate a mix of fighters through Misawa during the transition, giving up 36 F-16s for 48 F-35s. Misawa will be the second overseas base to permanently host the F-35 Lightning II jets, following RAF Lakenheath in England.
The Marines have also deployed F-35Bs to Japan at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni. The change-of-command ceremony for the 18th Wing took place on July 14, with Brig. Gen. John Gallemore taking over command from Evans.
The transition of the Air Force to the F-15EX Eagle II is part of the Department of Defense's ongoing effort to modernize U.S. airpower in the region. Kadena Air Base is gearing up to receive a permanent fleet of these latest fourth-generation fighters, ensuring the U.S. remains prepared to meet the evolving threats in the Indo-Pacific region.
[1] Air & Space Forces Magazine. (2025). Air Force Plans to Replace F-16s at Misawa with F-35s Next Spring. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/air-force-plans-to-replace-f-16s-at-misawa-with-f-35s-next-spring-6383852/
[2] Defense News. (2025). US Air Force to withdraw 48 aging F-15C/D Eagles based on Okinawa. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/air/2025/07/13/us-air-force-to-withdraw-48-aging-f-15c-d-eagles-based-on-okinawa/
[3] Air & Space Forces Magazine. (2025). Kadena Air Base to Receive Permanent Fleet of F-15EX Eagle II Jets Next Spring. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/kadena-air-base-to-receive-permanent-fleet-of-f-15ex-eagle-ii-jets-next-spring-6383853/
[4] Air & Space Forces Magazine. (2025). Osan Air Base to Replace Retiring A-10 Thunderbolt IIs with Transferred F-16s. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/osan-air-base-to-replace-retiring-a-10-thunderbolt-iis-with-transferred-f-16s-6383854/
[5] Air & Space Forces Magazine. (2025). Air Force Plans to Rotate a Mix of Fighters through Misawa During F-35 Transition. Retrieved from https://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/air-force-plans-to-rotate-a-mix-of-fighters-through-misawa-during-f-35-transition-6383855/
- The Space Force is possibly considering the integration of advanced weapon systems on the F-15EX Eagle II aircraft to bolster its defense capabilities in space.
- The Aerospace industry and Finance sectors have expressed interest in partnering with the Air Force to upgrade the offensive and defensive systems on the F-15EX Eagle II jets for optimized performance and security.
- Recently, Air Force pilots have undergone training on simulated space missions at the Air Force Test Pilot School in collaboration with the Space Force, enhancing their skill sets for future aerial and space operations.
- Kadena Air Base is not only set to receive 36 advanced F-15EX Eagle II aircraft next spring, but plans are underway to position the base as a central hub for both Air Force and Space Force operations in the Asia-Pacific region.
- The USAF plans to utilize the advanced avionics and capabilities of the F-35s, F-22s, F-15Es, and F-16s to ensure security and readiness in any operational environment, whether it be in air or space.
