U.S. Air Force, Japan. Arrival of Powerful F-22 Raptor Fighters at Kadena Air Base

MILTECH - F-22A Raptors assigned to 3rd Wing Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, began arriving here Nov. 4 to Nov. 21. 8, 2022, in support of the deployment of Kadena's fleet of F-15C/D Eagles.

These aircraft will work in conjunction with Kadena-based national assets to maintain the state's combat capability and enhance US operational readiness to defend Japan and ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific. As part of its modernization plan, the US Air Force is retiring the F-15C/D Eagle, which has been in service for more than 30 years. The Department of Defense will continue to maintain stable presence in Kadena by temporarily deploying new and advanced aircraft to supplement the F-15s as they land in the United States. For decades, Kadena Air Force Base served as the focal point of the Pacific. The base's location makes it an important safe haven for forces seeking to deter regional adversaries and project US air power throughout the Indo-Pacific. Modernizing our capabilities in the Indo-Pacific theater remains a priority. The move to more capable aircraft at Kadena demonstrates DOD's continued commitment to improving our posture as we build on the strong foundation of our relationship with Japan. The United States plans to deploy F-22 fighter jets to Kadena AB in half a year for now, Hamada added.

Twelve F-15 jets will return to the United States in a few weeks, while about the same number of F-22 fighters will be sent to the base. Kadena currently has at least 48 F-15s as part of the 18th Wing's 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons. The removal of the Eagles will come in waves as older aircraft return to the United States. The USAF's F-15Cs and Ds are well into their third decade—some pushing 40 years—and are nearing the end of their lives.

According to Defense News, the Pentagon is still debating whether to eventually deploy combat troops to Kadena or stick to a diversionary model. The aircraft being considered to replace the old F-15 include the F-15EX Eagle II - an upgraded version of the fourth generation that is now being built with modern avionics and power.