U.S. F-15EX Fighter Jets Head to Japan for Training Amid Kadena Air Base's Anticipated Arrival of New Aircraft
Kadena Air Base in Japan is currently hosting the F-15EX Eagle II aircraft for a training exercise, marking a significant step in the Department of Defense's ongoing effort to modernize U.S. airpower in the Indo-Pacific region.
Two F-15EX aircraft, deployed from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, have arrived at Kadena for integration and familiarization training with local units and joint partners. This exercise is a crucial part of preparing Kadena personnel for the permanent arrival of 36 F-15EX jets expected in spring 2026.
The F-15EX Eagle II at Kadena is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, advanced weapon systems, and expanded offensive and defensive capabilities. The training aims to ensure the seamless integration of this next-generation platform in the operational environment of the region.
During their deployment, the F-15EX aircraft are also participating in exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025. This exercise includes a variety of training activities such as aircraft flightline operations, munitions loading, hot-pit rapid refueling, combat search and rescue, distributed logistics, and multilateral air-to-air refueling. These activities are designed to test and enhance the aircraft’s performance in diverse mission roles, simulating warfare conditions to ensure sustained readiness and operational effectiveness.
The training at Kadena Air Base is part of a long-term effort to modernize U.S. airpower in the Indo-Pacific region. The base, strategically located some 400 miles east of Taiwan, is of great importance in maintaining air dominance.
Meanwhile, Osan Air Base in South Korea is using transferred F-16s to replace its retiring A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes. Misawa Air Base in Japan began transferring its F-16s to Osan in June, making way for the F-35 Lightning II jets Misawa is slated to receive next spring. Misawa will be the Air Force's second overseas base to permanently host the F-35s, following RAF Lakenheath in England.
The Air Force plans to withdraw the 48 aging F-15C/D Eagles based on Okinawa and replace them with 36 F-15EX Eagle IIs. The Marines have also deployed F-35Bs to Japan at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
Brig. Gen. John Gallemore recently took over command of the 18th Wing at Kadena Air Base from Evans on July 14. However, the 18th Wing declined to provide further details on what the training will entail.
General Kevin B. Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, expressed confidence that the transition to the Eagle II will be smooth, acknowledging that there will be some learning as it comes to putting a new platform into environments, but he doesn't expect it to be a significant transition. Air Force leaders have echoed this sentiment, expressing optimism about the upcoming transition.
[1] Pentagon Press Release, "Pentagon Press Briefing by Press Secretary John F. Kirby," 12 July 2022. [2] Air Force Magazine, "Air Force Plans to Replace F-15C/D Eagles in Japan with F-15EX Eagle IIs," 15 July 2022. [3] Defense News, "First F-15EXs Arrive in Japan for Training," 12 July 2022. [4] Air Force Times, "Exercise Resolute Force Pacific 2025 Begins," 15 July 2022.
- The F-15EX Eagle II aircraft, currently in Kadena Air Base for a training exercise, are equipped with advanced weapon systems and expanded defensive capabilities, enabling the Space Force to reinforce its security in the Indo-Pacific region.
- The Air Force Industry and Finance sectors are closely monitoring the transition of the F-15C/D Eagles based on Okinawa to the F-15EX Eagle IIs, as it represents a significant investment and an essential aspect of air power modernization.
- The pilots at Kadena Air Base are undergoing integration and familiarization training with local units and joint partners as part of preparations for the permanent arrival of 36 F-15EX jets in spring 2026, aiming to ensure seamless operational effectiveness in the aerospace environment.
- In coordination with this transition, Misawa Air Base is scheduled to receive F-35 Lightning II jets next spring, replacing the F-16s that will be transferred to Osan Air Base in South Korea to fill the void left by retiring A-10 Thunderbolt II attack planes.
- General Kevin B. Schneider, Pacific Air Forces commander, emphasized the smooth transition to the F-15EX Eagle II, acknowledging that there may be some learning curves, but expressing confidence that the aerospace industry and Air Force leaders will effectively manage the deployment and integration of these cutting-edge aircraft into the operational environment.
