Overview

• The May 6 exercise at Kadena Air Base involved 53 aircraft and two Army Patriot missile systems, surpassing a previous record set in 2020.
• Aircraft included 24 F-35As, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, reconnaissance planes, drones, helicopters, and tankers, alongside Navy and Army assets.
• The display served as a demonstration of U.S. military readiness and commitment to regional allies, emphasizing deterrence in a tense Indo-Pacific environment.
• The event coincided with the 18th Wing’s operational readiness training, which included mobilization drills and other exercises to sharpen skills under pressure.
• Strategically located near Taiwan and contested maritime routes, Kadena Air Base plays a critical role in projecting U.S. airpower and maintaining regional stability.