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Miami Herald
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Sends Advanced F-15 Jets To Frontline Air Base Near China
The United States has sent advanced versions of the F-15 fighter jet to Kadena Air Base in Japan as part of efforts to respond to China's growing threat. The U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing-the host unit at Kadena-confirmed the arrival of the F-15EX jets, saying they were there to "conduct integration and familiarization training." Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Kadena Air Base is a U.S. air power hub located on Okinawa Island in Japan's southwestern waters. It forms part of the First Island Chain under a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting China's military activities across the Western Pacific Ocean in the event of war. As the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan-the self-ruled island that China has threatened to take by force-the Pentagon plans to replace Kadena's 48 F-15C/D fighter jets with 36 newer F-15EX jets, which are capable of carrying more air-to-air missiles. According to photos shared by a Japanese aircraft spotter on X (formerly Twitter) and a report by Japanese media, a group of four U.S. Air Force fighter jets comprising a pair of F-15EX jets, an F-15E jet and an F-16C jet-arrived at Kadena Air Base on Saturday. In a press release issued the same day, the 18th Wing said the F-15EX jets-assigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida-will help prepare Kadena Air Base personnel for the deployment of the advanced combat aircraft in spring 2026. The visit marked a milestone in the Pentagon's effort to modernize U.S. air power in the region and deter evolving threats, as it provided pilots and maintainers the opportunity to train in the environment where they will operate the aircraft, according to the 18th Wing. The F-15EX aircraft will ensure Kadena Air Base "remains postured to address the dynamic security environment in the Indo-Pacific region," as they are equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, as well as expanded capabilities, the Japan-based unit explained. The specialist outlet The War Zone reported in late June that Kadena Air Base is expected to host two squadrons of F-15EX jets, each operating 18 aircraft. However, that number could increase to 21, as the U.S. Air Force has requested an expansion of the total fleet size. While Kadena's fighter jet fleet transitions from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX, the western Pacific base will maintain a steady presence of fighter aircraft through rotational deployments of fourth- and fifth-generation jets, including the F-15E and the stealthy F-35A. The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said in a press release on Saturday: "The 18th Wing remains steadfast in its mission to provide credible combat airpower to deter regional aggression, assure allies and partners, and, if necessary, defend Japan." U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, said in a press release on Saturday: "This [F-15EX] visit ensures we can seamlessly integrate the aircraft into our mission sets and maintain the airpower advantages needed in this region." It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will accelerate the deployment of F-15EX jets at Kadena as China rapidly modernizes its air power with advanced fighter aircraft. Related Articles Iran's Army Makes New Threat: "War for 10 Years"Clashes Kill Dozens in America's Newest Friend in the Middle EastIran and China Challenge US as Alliance GrowsNorth Korea Warns US Over Strategic Bombers Near Airspace 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Sends Advanced F-15 Jets To Front-Line Air Base Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States has sent advanced versions of the F-15 fighter jet to Kadena Air Base in Japan as part of efforts to respond to China's growing threat. The U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing—the host unit at Kadena—confirmed the arrival of the F-15EX jets, saying they were there to "conduct integration and familiarization training." Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters Kadena Air Base is a U.S. air power hub located on Okinawa Island in Japan's southwestern waters. It forms part of the First Island Chain under a U.S. containment strategy aimed at restricting China's military activities across the Western Pacific Ocean in the event of war. As the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan—the self-ruled island that China has threatened to take by force—the Pentagon plans to replace Kadena's 48 F-15C/D fighter jets with 36 newer F-15EX jets, which are capable of carrying more air-to-air missiles. What To Know According to photos shared by a Japanese aircraft spotter on X (formerly Twitter) and a report by Japanese media, a group of four U.S. Air Force fighter jets comprising a pair of F-15EX jets, an F-15E jet and an F-16C jet—arrived at Kadena Air Base on Saturday. どっちランウェイに降りるかてんやわんや、おまけにローアプローチまでやって振り回されました…これからのフライトに期待です。 53rd WNG 85th TES "Flying Skulls" F-16C OT 98-0005, F-15E 88-1681, F-15EX 20-0004, 20-0005 Kadena Air Base 20250712 — いらぶちゃー (@okadna35) July 13, 2025 In a press release issued the same day, the 18th Wing said the F-15EX jets—assigned to Eglin Air Force Base in Florida—will help prepare Kadena Air Base personnel for the deployment of the advanced combat aircraft in spring 2026. The visit marked a milestone in the Pentagon's effort to modernize U.S. air power in the region and deter evolving threats, as it provided pilots and maintainers the opportunity to train in the environment where they will operate the aircraft, according to the 18th Wing. The F-15EX aircraft will ensure Kadena Air Base "remains postured to address the dynamic security environment in the Indo-Pacific region," as they are equipped with advanced avionics and weapon systems, as well as expanded capabilities, the Japan-based unit explained. The specialist outlet The War Zone reported in late June that Kadena Air Base is expected to host two squadrons of F-15EX jets, each operating 18 aircraft. However, that number could increase to 21, as the U.S. Air Force has requested an expansion of the total fleet size. A United States F-15EX fighter jet flies over Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan on June 11, 2025. A United States F-15EX fighter jet flies over Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Michigan on June 11, 2025. Tech. Sgt. Andrew Schumann/U.S. Air National Guard While Kadena's fighter jet fleet transitions from the F-15C/D to the F-15EX, the western Pacific base will maintain a steady presence of fighter aircraft through rotational deployments of fourth- and fifth-generation jets, including the F-15E and the stealthy F-35A. What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said in a press release on Saturday: "The 18th Wing remains steadfast in its mission to provide credible combat airpower to deter regional aggression, assure allies and partners, and, if necessary, defend Japan." U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, said in a press release on Saturday: "This [F-15EX] visit ensures we can seamlessly integrate the aircraft into our mission sets and maintain the airpower advantages needed in this region." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether the U.S. will accelerate the deployment of F-15EX jets at Kadena as China rapidly modernizes its air power with advanced fighter aircraft.
Miami Herald
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
US Sharpens Spy Plane Tactics With Pacific Ally
The United States recently deployed a spy plane to Australia-its South Pacific ally-to strengthen its ability to conduct intelligence gathering from a forward-deployed location. The late-May deployment was part of Exercise RECCE-Edge 25, the U.S. Air Force 18th Wing-host unit at Kadena Air Base in Japan-announced in a news release on Tuesday, which reinforced the role of delivering "timely, reliable intelligence" from any location. The U.S. Air Force has been actively conducting surveillance missions in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly over waters bordering China. It has deployed various reconnaissance aircraft to Kadena Air Base, a strategic hub for projecting U.S. airpower in the region. The recent temporary deployment to Australia follows a Pentagon report on Chinese military power, which assessed that Beijing has expanded its ballistic missile force capable of striking U.S. military bases in Japan-including airfields lacking fortifications to protect aircraft. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. A team of 55 airmen and an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft were deployed to an air force base in Darwin, northern Australia, from May 19 to 23, according to the 18th Wing. The airmen were assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Although the squadron is part of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, it has operated out of Kadena Air Base since January 1968. It is responsible for conducting aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions across the Indo-Pacific region. RECCE-Edge 25 focused on "enhancing agile force capabilities, intelligence gathering, and joint interoperability," according to the news release, allowing the unit to strengthen tactics and sustain reconnaissance operations while operating from a forward-deployed location. The forward-deployed team demonstrated its ability to rapidly deploy and sustain "high-tempo reconnaissance missions" from the remote location by achieving full operational capability in just under 12 hours after arriving in Darwin from Japan, the 18th Wing said. U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ellsworth, director of operations of the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, described Darwin as an ideal location for such forward deployment, adding that the Australian ally offers a "close and secure" location. By operating out of Darwin, this ensured the squadron's capabilities reach across the Indo-Pacific region, said U.S. Air Force Major Robert Anglin, assistant director of operations of the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, "no matter how far we are from home." The RC-135V Rivet Joint is equipped with a sensor suite to detect, identify, and geolocate electronic signals, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. This "highly specialized signals intelligence platform" is capable of delivering real-time intelligence, the 18th Wing added. U.S. Air Force Major Robert Anglin, the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron assistant director of operations, said: "The Rivet Joint is a high-value asset and crucial to maintaining our reconnaissance capabilities, so it's very important that we're able to get it up and running quickly." The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing commented: "The [82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron] demonstrated its ability to operate and perform their duties in any location while proving the importance of cooperation with trusted partners to uphold regional stability and maintain intelligence superiority." In addition to Australia, it remains to be seen whether U.S. spy planes stationed in Japan will operate from other forward locations in allied territories across the western Pacific region. Related Articles 'Game-Changing' Anti-Ship Weapon Tested by US Stealth BomberIran to Counter US Nuclear Offer as Trump Sends New WarningHooters Closing Locations Across US: Full List of Restaurants Shutting DownJeffrey Epstein Video Release: What Footage Shows of His Death 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
Newsweek
05-06-2025
- Newsweek
US Sharpens Spy Plane Tactics With Pacific Ally
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United States recently deployed a spy plane to Australia—its South Pacific ally—to strengthen its ability to conduct intelligence gathering from a forward-deployed location. The late-May deployment was part of Exercise RECCE-Edge 25, the U.S. Air Force 18th Wing—host unit at Kadena Air Base in Japan—announced in a news release on Tuesday, which reinforced the role of delivering "timely, reliable intelligence" from any location. Why It Matters The U.S. Air Force has been actively conducting surveillance missions in the western Pacific Ocean, particularly over waters bordering China. It has deployed various reconnaissance aircraft to Kadena Air Base, a strategic hub for projecting U.S. airpower in the region. The recent temporary deployment to Australia follows a Pentagon report on Chinese military power, which assessed that Beijing has expanded its ballistic missile force capable of striking U.S. military bases in Japan—including airfields lacking fortifications to protect aircraft. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. What To Know A team of 55 airmen and an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft were deployed to an air force base in Darwin, northern Australia, from May 19 to 23, according to the 18th Wing. The airmen were assigned to the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron. Although the squadron is part of the 55th Wing at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, it has operated out of Kadena Air Base since January 1968. It is responsible for conducting aerial intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions across the Indo-Pacific region. RECCE-Edge 25 focused on "enhancing agile force capabilities, intelligence gathering, and joint interoperability," according to the news release, allowing the unit to strengthen tactics and sustain reconnaissance operations while operating from a forward-deployed location. The forward-deployed team demonstrated its ability to rapidly deploy and sustain "high-tempo reconnaissance missions" from the remote location by achieving full operational capability in just under 12 hours after arriving in Darwin from Japan, the 18th Wing said. United States Air Force airmen prepare an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin in Australia on May 21, 2025. United States Air Force airmen prepare an RC-135V Rivet Joint reconnaissance aircraft at Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin in Australia on May 21, 2025. 2nd Lt. James Strong/U.S. Air Force U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Michael Ellsworth, director of operations of the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, described Darwin as an ideal location for such forward deployment, adding that the Australian ally offers a "close and secure" location. By operating out of Darwin, this ensured the squadron's capabilities reach across the Indo-Pacific region, said U.S. Air Force Major Robert Anglin, assistant director of operations of the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, "no matter how far we are from home." The RC-135V Rivet Joint is equipped with a sensor suite to detect, identify, and geolocate electronic signals, according to a U.S. Air Force fact sheet. This "highly specialized signals intelligence platform" is capable of delivering real-time intelligence, the 18th Wing added. What People Are Saying U.S. Air Force Major Robert Anglin, the 82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron assistant director of operations, said: "The Rivet Joint is a high-value asset and crucial to maintaining our reconnaissance capabilities, so it's very important that we're able to get it up and running quickly." The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing commented: "The [82nd Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron] demonstrated its ability to operate and perform their duties in any location while proving the importance of cooperation with trusted partners to uphold regional stability and maintain intelligence superiority." What Happens Next In addition to Australia, it remains to be seen whether U.S. spy planes stationed in Japan will operate from other forward locations in allied territories across the western Pacific region.
Miami Herald
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Photos Show US Preparing Frontline Base for China Missile War
Kadena Air Base, a United States military hub in the Western Pacific Ocean, conducted a series of exercises recently in preparation for a potential long-range missile attack by China. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email. Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa in Japan's southwestern waters, is the closest U.S. air base to Taiwan with a distance of 370 miles. China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and continues to intimidate the American security partner through the threat of force. China has expanded its inventory of medium-range ballistic missiles from 1,000 to 1,300, according to the Pentagon. These missiles are capable of striking targets up to 1,864 miles away, putting U.S. military bases in Japan—one of America's treaty allies—within range. The Hudson Institute think tank has urged the U.S. to fortify its military airfields within the range of China's missiles, in order to preserve air dominance during a potential conflict in which China could launch surprise attacks aimed at destroying U.S. aircraft on the ground. From May 6 to 9, Kadena Air Base conducted a routine readiness exercise involving several F-35A stealth fighter jets assigned to the 355th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The aircraft staged out of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, which is located south of Kadena Air Base. This deployment aimed to test the squadron's ability to rapidly deploy jets from an austere location and to practice power projection from multiple locations. Under the U.S. Air Force's Agile Combat Employment concept, dispersal operations complicate enemy targeting. The fighter jets were dispatched from their home station, Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska, to Kadena Air Base last month, forming a part of the latest round of rotational deployments of U.S. fighter jets on Okinawa Island, aimed at maintaining a continuous fighter presence. During the readiness exercise, technicians assigned to Kadena Air Base honed their rapid airfield damage recovery techniques by simulating repairs to areas destroyed by munitions. The U.S. Air Force's 18th Wing, the host unit at Kadena Air Base, stated that the ability to conduct rapid airfield damage recovery is essential due to the base's strategic role as a vital staging location for forces to deter regional adversaries and project American air power. An airfield damage assessment was also conducted at Kadena Air Base, with personnel on the ground and in helicopters sweeping the area, the 18th Wing said. This helps create an accurate picture of the damage and supports planning efforts to restore airfield operations. The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said: "The goal of [agile combat employment] is to empower units to generate sustainable airpower in any environment, adding flexibility and dexterity to capabilities ... the 18th Wing will continue to flex its enhanced operational abilities to respond to real world scenarios as the Keystone of the Pacific." The Pentagon's Chinese military power report read: "The [People's Liberation Army Rocket Force] routinely practices live-fire strikes on mock airfields, bunkers, aircraft, and ships, indicating that the [People's Liberation Army Rocket Force] is improving its readiness for several counter intervention strike contingencies." It remains to be seen whether other U.S. military bases in Japan—including Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, which hosts the F-35B stealth fighter aircraft—will conduct similar exercises to enhance their readiness in the face of China's significant missile threat. Related Articles China, US Agree to Drop Tariffs by 115% for 90 DaysUS and China Hold High-Stakes Talks on Trump's Tariffs: What To KnowCDC Issues Measles Update as Number of Cases GrowsIndia-Pakistan Massive 'Dogfight' Shows Changing Shape of Air Warfare 2025 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.
