U.S. Deploys F-15EX to Kadena Amid Delays in Permanent Stationing Until 2027
The U.S. Air Force deployed F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle fighters to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, for training visits in June 2025-2026, aimed at enhancing deterrence near Taiwan and the East China Sea. Permanent stationing of 36 F-15EXs to replace aging F-15C/Ds has been delayed from 2025 to 2027 due to a Boeing strike. Rotational deployments of F-22s, F-35s, and F-16s fill the gap. The move underscores U.S. commitment to regional stability amid China tensions.
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F-15EX Eagle II Returns to Kadena for Training Amidst Delayed Permanent Deployment
An F-15EX Eagle II, escorted by two F-15E Strike Eagles from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, on June 29, 2026, for a second training visit. The Air Force originally planned to permanently station 36 F-15EX jets at Kadena by spring 2026 to replace the aging F-15C/D fleet. However, a labor strike at Boeing's St. Louis plant pushed that schedule back, and Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the first permanent jets will now arrive in 2027, with full transition by 2028-2029. In the interim, Kadena relies on rotational deployments of F-22s, F-16s, and F-35s. The visit allows Kadena's airmen to refine logistics and sustainment procedures for the new aircraft. The F-15EX features advanced electronic warfare systems, fly-by-wire controls, and an open mission systems architecture, offsetting a 25% reduction in aircraft numbers with greater payload capacity.
The Defence Blog – Military and Defense NewsBoeing F-15EX Eagle II Temporarily Deploys to Kadena as Permanent Replacement Delayed by Strike
On June 29, 2026, a Boeing F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, landed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles. The 18th Wing commander called the jet 'the next chapter of airpower,' but the aircraft is only on a short-term training visit and will depart. Kadena, located 400 miles from Taiwan, has had no permanently assigned fighters since its aging F-15C/D Eagles were withdrawn starting in late 2022. The planned permanent replacement—36 F-15EX Eagle IIs—has been delayed by roughly one year due to a strike at Boeing's St. Louis plant in 2025. First deliveries originally expected in early 2026 are now projected for 2027. In the interim, rotational deployments of F-22s, F-35As, F-15Es, and F-16s maintain the base's airpower capability but do not restore permanent squadrons or deep maintenance infrastructure.
19FortyFiveF-15EX Eagle II Visits Kadena Air Base Amid Delays in Permanent Replacement
On June 29, 2026, a U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base landed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles. The visit was framed by Brig. Gen. John Gallemore as 'the next chapter of airpower at Kadena,' but the aircraft is on a short-term training visit and will depart. Kadena, located 400 miles from Taiwan, has lacked permanently assigned fighters since its aging F-15C/D Eagles began departing in late 2022. The planned replacement of 36 F-15EXs is now delayed by roughly 12 months, with first deliveries expected in 2027. The delay is attributed to a strike at Boeing's St. Louis plant (August–November 2025), not to Chinese actions. In the interim, rotational deployments of F-22s, F-35As, F-15Es, and F-16s maintain a presence but lack the permanence of assigned squadrons.
19FortyFiveF-15EX Eagle II Visits Kadena Air Base Amid Delays in Permanent Fighter Replacement
A Boeing F-15EX Eagle II from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Eglin Air Force Base landed at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa on June 29, 2026, for a short-term training visit. The aircraft, accompanied by two F-15E Strike Eagles, was greeted by 18th Wing commander Brig. Gen. John Gallemore as representing 'the next chapter of airpower' at the base. However, the permanent replacement of Kadena's aging F-15C/D fleet—36 F-15EXs—has been delayed by approximately one year due to a strike at Boeing's St. Louis plant from August to November 2025. Kadena, located 400 miles from Taiwan, has operated without permanently assigned fighters since late 2022, relying on rotational deployments of F-22s, F-35As, F-15Es, and F-16s. The first F-15EX deliveries are now expected in 2027, with the delay attributed to industrial challenges rather than Chinese actions.
19FortyFiveF-15EX Makes Another Visit to Kadena as Base Preps for Permanent Aircraft
An F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet visited Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, on June 29, marking the second such visit as the U.S. Air Force prepares to permanently station the aircraft there. The visit, announced by the 18th Wing, allows pilots and maintainers to train with the advanced fighter ahead of its planned permanent deployment. Originally scheduled for spring 2025, the permanent stationing of 36 F-15EXs to replace 48 aging F-15C/Ds has been delayed to 2027 due to a strike at Boeing's factory from August to November 2025. The visiting aircraft belong to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin AFB, Florida. The 67th Fighter Squadron will be the first operational unit at Kadena. The F-15EX features digital fly-by-wire, AESA radar, and a 29,000-pound payload capacity. The Senate Armed Services Committee has approved language for multiyear contracts contingent on Boeing meeting delivery schedules.
Air & Space Forces MagazineF-15EX Makes Another Visit to Kadena as Base Preps for Permanent Aircraft
An F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet visited Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, on June 29, marking the second such visit as the U.S. Air Force prepares to permanently station the aircraft there. The permanent replacement of 48 aging F-15C/Ds with 36 F-15EXs, originally scheduled to begin in spring 2025, has been delayed to 2027 due to a strike at Boeing's factory from August to November 2025. The visiting aircraft belongs to the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron from Eglin AFB, Florida. The 67th Fighter Squadron will be the first operational unit at Kadena. During the visit, personnel will train on tactics, maintenance, and sustainment. The final F-15C/Ds departed Kadena in January 2025. Since 2022, rotating units of F-15Es, F-16s, F-35s, and F-22s have filled the gap. The Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced a bill approving multiyear contracts for the F-15EX, contingent on Boeing meeting delivery schedules.
Air & Space Forces MagazineF-15EX Returns to Kadena for Visit as Permanent Stationing Delayed to 2027
An F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet made a second visit to Kadena Air Base in Japan on June 29, 2025, as the U.S. Air Force prepares for permanent basing of the aircraft, now delayed until 2027 due to a Boeing strike in 2025. The visit, involving two F-15E escorts, allows pilots and maintainers to advance tactics and maintenance procedures. The 67th Fighter Squadron is slated to become the first operational EX unit at Kadena, replacing 48 aging F-15C/Ds with 36 EXs. The final permanent C/D departed in January 2025, and rotational deployments of mixed fighter types have filled the gap. Air Force Secretary Troy Meink confirmed the new delivery timeline, while the Senate Armed Services Committee approved advancing a multiyear procurement contract for the F-15EX in the FY2027 NDAA, contingent on Boeing meeting delivery schedules.
Air & Space Forces MagazineU.S. Deploys F-15EX and F-15E Fighter Jets to Kadena Air Base to Enhance Deterrence near Taiwan and East China Sea
The United States has positioned F-15EX Eagle II and F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. This deployment is aimed at bolstering deterrence capabilities in the vicinity of Taiwan and the East China Sea, amidst escalating tensions in the region. The move highlights U.S. commitment to maintaining stability and countering potential threats from China. Kadena Air Base serves as a strategic hub for U.S. air power in the Pacific, and the addition of these advanced aircraft reinforces America's military posture in the Indo-Pacific region.
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