Fri Oct 11 20:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Kadena Air Base Welcomes New F-22s and F-16s as F-15Cs Phase Out

**Kadena Air Base, Japan** – The strategic Kadena Air Base has welcomed a fresh batch of F-22 and F-16 fighter jets as the base phases out its remaining F-15C Eagles. The new arrivals, consisting of F-16s from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron and F-22s from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, join existing F-22s from the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron already stationed at Kadena.

The F-15Cs, a fixture at Kadena since the late 1970s, are nearing the end of their service life. The Air Force announced plans in October 2022 to phase out the fleet, temporarily replacing them with a rotation of fourth- and fifth-generation fighters.

While Kadena remains tight-lipped about the exact number of F-15Cs still on site, the base has confirmed that the drawdown is ongoing. The 18th Wing, responsible for the base, previously acknowledged the departure of four F-15Cs in August as a significant milestone in the transition.

Kadena is set to receive 36 F-15EX fighters by 2026 as a permanent replacement for the F-15Cs. The new F-15EXs will boast advanced capabilities including additional weapon stations, new electronic warfare suites, fly-by-wire flight controls, and powerful processors.

This shift is part of a broader force restructuring in Japan, which will see F-35s deployed to Misawa Air Base.

Located close to Taiwan, Kadena is strategically important for the U.S. in its efforts to maintain a strong presence in the Indo-Pacific region. The base has witnessed a continuous cycle of fighter rotations over the past two years, reflecting the escalating competition with China.

The Air Force’s fighter fleet faces increasing demands globally, with additional F-15s, F-16s, and A-10s deploying to the Middle East amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

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