Overview
- Two F-15EX Eagle II fighters assigned to the 67th Fighter Squadron arrived at Kadena Air Base on Nov. 15, 2026, marking the first time combat-coded F-15EXs have been permanently based overseas.
- The 18th Wing plans to operate 36 F-15EXs to replace 48 legacy F-15C/Ds, trading fewer airframes for greater weapons capacity and modern systems to preserve combat power.
- 67th Squadron pilots completed qualification training at Eglin AFB and Portland ANGB while Kadena maintained continuous fighter coverage through six-month rotations of F-22s, F-35s, F-16s and F-15Es during the transition.
- Deliveries arrived later than originally planned after a strike at Boeing’s St. Louis plant in Aug.–Nov. 2025 delayed production, and Air Force officials now project the full Kadena transition will finish by 2028 or 2029.
- The F-15EX brings upgraded electronic‑warfare suites, open-architecture avionics and the capacity to carry up to 12 air-to-air missiles but is not stealthy, so it will operate alongside fifth‑generation aircraft and Japan Air Self‑Defense Force units as Kadena builds sustainment and squadron experience.