According to a statement from the Department of Defense, published on July 3rd, it was announced that, together with the Japanese government, a modernization plan is being sought for the U.S. Air Force (USAF) fighters deployed at air bases in Japan. This project, aimed at implementation in the coming years, involves more than USD 10 billion in investments to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance.
In this context, considering the relationship between the two countries and prospects for cooperation, the official statement explains that the U.S. Air Force will enhance its presence at Kadena Air Base by deploying 36 new F-15EX fighters to replace 48 F-15C/D Eagle aircraft as part of planned modernization efforts. While this information had already been hinted at in late 2023, it is now confirmed by the U.S. Department of Defense that the plans are proceeding, considering Japan is today one of the strategic points for the presence of U.S. military forces in the Indo-Pacific region.
It should be noted that the process of retiring the Eagles from Japan began in early December 2022, with the aircraft being relocated to Kingsley Field Base in Oregon. From there, some will continue in service with various Air National Guard units in the United States, while others will go to the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group for storage.
The retirement of the F-15C/D Eagles from Japan marks the end of an era that began more than 40 years ago when the then 18th Tactical Fighter Wing (now the 18th Wing) received its first F-15Cs on September 29, 1979, with the 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron, known as “The Fighting Cocks.” This unit was the first to achieve full operational capability with the then-new F-15s within the U.S. Air Force stationed in the Pacific region.
A year later, considering the retirement, the USAF confirmed the initial deployment of F-16 fighters as a provisional replacement for the F-15s, which was later revised with the deployment of F-22 Raptors in May 2024. Additionally, it is mentioned that at Misawa Air Base, where there are currently 36 F-16 fighters, the plan is to replace them with 48 F-35As to enhance tactical capability.
Finally, the statement mentions that at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, the Marines will adjust the number of available F-35Bs to support the new design implementation plans that the force will adopt for the next decade, while ensuring the presence and rotation of aircraft to guarantee the deterrent capabilities deployed from Japan.
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