Amidst the constant and escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed the deployment of an increased number of stealth F-22 Raptors in Japan. The news followed the arrival of fifth-generation aircraft at Kadena Air Base, augmenting the current fleet of such aircraft at the unit, which has been experiencing rotations of various combat assets since the commencement of the withdrawal of F-15C/D fighters last year.
In late 2022, as part of the global withdrawal of the Eagles, the United States Air Force began the retraction of its F-15C/D fighters stationed at Kadena Air Base. A total of up to 48 aircraft are slated for scheduled withdrawal, returning to the United States over the past few months. Throughout the past year, this gap has been filled by rotations of various aircraft, initially including F-16s, as well as F-22s from Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
According to recent reports from the specialized magazine Air & Space Forces, the presence of the Hawaiian Raptors was bolstered by the recent arrival of additional F-22s from the 27th Fighter Squadron, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis.
When questioned by spokespeople from the United States Air Force, they informed that: “Amidst an increasingly challenging strategic environment, it is vital that we continue to maintain modern capabilities to ensure peace and stability throughout the Indo-Pacific region,” referencing the escalating conflict between China and Taiwan and its potential ramifications.
The increased presence and availability of the Raptors would allow the United States to enhance its deterrence capabilities in the region, as well as bolstering the presence of air assets with offensive and defensive capabilities operating from Kadena Air Base. It was also noted that this would facilitate the completion of the withdrawal of the remaining F-15s awaiting return to the U.S., as well as supplementing the F-16s currently stationed in Japan, belonging to the 114th Fighter Wing of the South Dakota Air National Guard and the 148th Fighter Wing of the Minnesota Air National Guard.
As expressed by the spokesperson, the F-22s “…will work in conjunction with additional heavy and reconnaissance assets that are augmented and stationed at Kadena to support the defense of Japan and maintain regional stability.”
Lastly, regarding Kadena Air Base specifically, located 400 kilometers from Taiwan, it stands as a strategic location for U.S. forces in the Asia-Pacific, serving also as a training and education center for personnel since the 1980s.
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