F-22As bring air dominance to Kadena in preparation for phased F-15C/D withdrawal

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan — F-22A Raptors assigned to the 3rd Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, arrived on Nov. 4. to Kadena Air Base, Japan, in preparation of the phased withdrawal of Kadena’s fleet of F-15C/D Eagles.

These aircraft will work in conjunction with local Kadena-based assets to maintain steady-state fighter capabilities and enhance U.S. operational readiness to defend Japan while ensuring a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As part of its modernization plan, the United States Air Force is retiring the aging fleet of F-15 C/D Eagle aircraft that has been in service for more than 30 years. The Department of Defense will continue to maintain a steady-state presence at Kadena by temporarily deploying newer and more advanced aircraft to backfill the F-15s as they retrograde to the United States.

For decades, Kadena Air Base has served as the keystone of the Pacific. The base’s strategic position makes it a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project U.S. airpower throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Modernizing U.S. capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a top priority. The transition to more capable aircraft at Kadena exemplifies DOD’s continued commitment to enhancing PACAF’s posture while building on the strong foundation of the U.S.-Japan Alliance.