The United States has deployed its latest model of advanced F-15 fighter jets to the Kadena Air Base in Japan to counter the increasing threat posed by China.
According to a report by “News Weekly”, the U.S. Air Force’s 18th Wing (the main unit at Kadena Air Base) confirmed the arrival of the F-15EX jets, stating that these aircraft will undergo integration and adaptation training at the base.
The F-15 has long been regarded as one of the most capable air-to-air combat fighters in the U.S. Air Force, recognized for its effectiveness and combat-proven status. It has now been upgraded to the advanced F-15EX model.
Kadena Air Base serves as a crucial hub of U.S. Air Force power, located on Okinawa Island in the southwest of Japan. It is part of the U.S. strategy to deter Chinese military activities in the Western Pacific known as the “First Island Chain”.
Being the closest U.S. Air Force base to Taiwan (600 kilometers away) and in light of China’s constant threats to forcibly take Taiwan, the Pentagon plans to replace its existing 48 F-15C/D fighter jets with 36 new F-15EX aircraft that can carry more air-to-air missiles.
As shared by a Japanese aircraft observer on X and reported by Japanese media, a formation of four U.S. Air Force fighter jets, including two F-15EX jets, one F-15E jet, and one F-16C jet, arrived at Kadena Air Base last Saturday.
The arrival of the new F-15 jets marks a milestone in the Pentagon’s efforts to modernize U.S. air power in the Asia-Pacific region and counter the escalating threats. Kadena Air Base provides pilots and ground crew with practical operational opportunities and training environments for potential future conflicts.
The squadron stationed at the Japan base stated that the new F-15EX jets will ensure that Kadena Air Base “maintains readiness to address the constantly evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region” with their advanced avionics and weapons systems, enhancing combat capabilities.
The F-15EX is a two-seater, all-weather, multi-role fighter jet that provides unique enhanced capabilities to the U.S. Air Force. It features fly-by-wire flight controls, new weapon loading capability, advanced electronic warfare suites, radar and computers, conformal fuel tanks, and reinforced airframe.
The upgraded F-15EX is equipped with a deep magazine which allows it to carry a large number of advanced weapons, with a payload capacity 28% greater than the F-15E. It has 12 air-to-air hardpoints or 15 air-to-ground hardpoints, capable of carrying up to 29,500 pounds (13.275 tons) of payload, unmatched in its class. It can carry a full range of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship strike weapons.
By adding conformal fuel tanks, the F-15EX can stay airborne for up to four hours without refueling. It can also carry heavy hypersonic weapons that stealth aircraft cannot transport.
In a report by military media “War Zone” at the end of June, it was stated that Kadena Air Base is expected to deploy two squadrons of F-15EX jets, each equipped with 18 aircraft. However, due to an expanded deployment request from the U.S. Air Force, this number may increase to 21 aircraft.
The squadron at Kadena Air Base is transitioning from F-15C/D to F-15EX jets, and in the Western Pacific, there will be rotational deployments of fourth and fifth-generation fighters, including F-15E and stealth F-35A aircraft, to maintain stability in fighter jet deployments.
The 18th Wing of the U.S. Air Force stated in a press release, “The 18th Aviation Wing will steadfastly fulfill its mission by providing reliable air combat power to deter any aggression in the region, ensure the security of allied countries, and defend Japan when necessary.”