Four years after the Air Force began plans to phase out aging F-15C and F-15D fighter jets at Kadena Air Base, the first permanently stationed F-15EX Eagle II has arrived in Japan.
On Sunday, the 18th Wing said that the first F-15EX, with new electronic warfare systems, was delivered to the base. Kadena is the first overseas U.S. base to get the fighter jet.
The new fighter jets are operated by the 67th Fighter Squadron. Crews trained and qualified on the F-15EXs in the United States ahead of the fighters’ arrival.
“Getting the F-15EX to Kadena is just the beginning,” Lt. Col. Ajay Dua, 67th Fighter Squadron commander, said in the Air Force’s announcement. “Now our focus shifts to integrating the aircraft into our flying operations, building experience as a squadron, and learning how to get the most out of its capabilities. It’s an exciting time to be part of the 67th Fighter Squadron.”
Kadena had been home to dozens of permanently stationed fighter jets, and its fleet makes up a large portion of fighters deployed to Japan. But the F-15s stationed there were aging airframes, and the Air Force wants to modernize its forces in the country. In that four-year period since the replacement plan started, the Air Force has rotated in several other fighter units to Kadena on temporary deployments, to maintain air power in the region. Those have ranged from F-15s to F-22s and F-35s. Even though the first of the new F-15EXs are beginning to arrive, those temporary deployments continue. A contingent of F-15s from the 122nd Expeditionary Fighter Squadron arrived in late October, according to Air & Space Forces Magazine.
Alongside modern electronic warfare systems, the new aircraft also feature expanded weapons capacity and improved avionics, which the Air Force says improves its ability to carry out counterair operations.
The Air Force plans to permanently station 36 F-15EXs at Kadena Air Base, to be flown by the 67th and 44th Fighter Squadrons.
“The arrival of the F-15EX at Kadena marks a significant milestone for American airpower in the Pacific,” Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander, said in the Air Force announcement. “These aircraft strengthen our ability to deter aggression, respond to emerging threats, and defend Japan alongside our allies and partners. Their permanent presence at Kadena reinforces our commitment to the U.S.-Japan Alliance and ensures we continue to bring advanced combat capabilities to one of the most strategically important regions in the world.”
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