Latest news with #F-15C
Newsweek
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Stages Massive Show of Force at Frontline Base in Pacific
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 staged a show of force with over 50 military aircraft and a pair of missile launchers at Kadena Air Base in Japan, its frontline outpost in the Western Pacific Ocean. Why It Matters Kadena Air Base is located on the island of Okinawa in the southwestern waters of Japan. The American military hub is about 370 miles away from Taiwan, making it the closest U.S. air base to the self-governed island. China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, threatening to use force against the U.S. security partner. The U.S. Air Force is currently upgrading its permanent fighter jet presence at Kadena, which will see the replacement of F-15C/D aircraft with more advanced F-15EX jets. The base will maintain a rotational presence of fighter aircraft during this transition period. U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy assets line up on the runway for an "elephant walk" at Kadena Air Base in Japan on May 6, 2025. U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, and U.S. Navy assets line up on the runway for an "elephant walk" at Kadena Air Base in Japan on May 6, 2025. Senior Airman Tylir Meyer/U.S. Air Force What To Know The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing, the host unit for Kadena, assembled what it called "one of the most diverse formations" of U.S. military aircraft in the Indo-Pacific region on Tuesday, showing combat readiness and regional deterrence, the unit said in a press release. The majority of aircraft in the formation were from the Air Force, including 24 F-35A stealth fighter jets, eight F-15E fighter aircraft, six HH-60 helicopters, six KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft, two MQ-9 drones, two MC-130J combat transport and special operations tanker aircraft, one RC-135 spy plane, and one E-3G early warning and control aircraft. Both the F-35A and F-15E jets were recently sent to Okinawa from their home bases in the U.S., forming the latest fighter aircraft rotation. The former were deployed from Alaska and Utah in two squadrons, while the latter was originally based in North Carolina. A pair of EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft and a P-8 maritime patrol aircraft from the U.S. Navy, as well as two U.S. Army MIM-104 surface-to-air missile launchers, commonly known as the Patriot, also took part in the event, which is known as an "elephant walk." "Elephant walk" is a term for a close formation of aircraft taxiing en masse before takeoff, which tests the ability to generate as many sorties as possible in a minimal amount of time. In January, Kadena also conducted an "elephant walk" with at least nine KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft, highlighting their strategic capabilities, the 18th Wing said. U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Nicholas Evans, commander of the 18th Wing, said the base "stands ready to project airpower" to ensure the Indo-Pacific region is free and open. What People Are Saying The U.S. Air Force 18th Wing said: "The sheer diversity of capabilities in this exercise is a testament to the lethality Kadena can leverage to deter adversarial aggression in the Indo-Pacific region." U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant Brandon Wolfgang of the 18th Wing said: "An elephant walk like this sends a message you can't ignore—it shows our airmen, allies, and adversaries that we're united, capable, and ready…This kind of teamwork and presence is exactly how we maintain deterrence in the Indo-Pacific." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether other U.S. air bases in the Indo-Pacific will conduct "elephant walks" to demonstrate America's air power in the contested region.
Saudi Gazette
07-05-2025
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Air Force participates in Anatolian Phoenix 2025 exercise in Turkey
Saudi Gazette report KONYA —The Saudi Air Force announced its participation in the "Anatolian Phoenix 2025" combat search and rescue exercise at Konya Air Base in Turkey, alongside forces from sister and friendly countries. The exercise, in which Saudi fighter jets are participating, aims to enhance their combat efficiency. Saudi fighter jets are also continuing their participation in the Desert Flag 2025 joint exercise in Abu Dhabi, with six F-15C fighter jets and their full air, technical, and support crews. This is to exchange military expertise in planning and execution in an environment similar to real warfare, and to enhance the readiness and combat efficiency of the air and technical support crews. Joint Ministry of Defense exercises enhance threat deterrence and defeat aggression, while also achieving coordination and enhancing defense and security cooperation, both domestically and internationally, to protect Saudi Arabia's security from external threats. They also promote integrated coordination with national forces to develop capabilities and mutual benefits to enhance national security. Deputy Commander of the Air Forces, Major General Pilot Talal Al-Ghamdi, inspected the preparations of the group participating in the exercise from King Khalid Air Base in the southern sector. The Air Force is participating in the exercise with two Cougar helicopters, complete with their full air, technical, and support crews, in addition to six air controllers. This will enhance operational readiness, exchange expertise, and train in an environment that simulates real-world operations.
Leaders
02-05-2025
- General
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Participates in Desert Flag 2025 Exercise in UAE
The Royal Saudi Air Force is currently participating in the Desert Flag 2025 exercise at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, according to the Saudi Press Agency. As a major regional joint air exercise, the Desert Flag seeks to elevate combat readiness and boost operational capabilities through realistic warfare simulations. Desert Flag 2025 Exercise in UAE With F-15C aircraft, the Saudi Air Force aircrews are carrying out several training missions, such as defensive and offensive air operations, close air support, and combat search and rescue operations. Furthermore, they are engaged in a wide range of night flying operations, along with training on tactical night drop operations and night aerial refueling operations. Desert Flag 2025 Exercise in UAE Such activities enhance the air crews' efficiency and ability to carry out missions under various operational conditions. As part of a series of air exercises designed to exchange expertise, the Desert Flag 2025 exercise aims at developing air combat techniques and strengthening military cooperation between participating countries. Related Topics: RSAF Takes Part in UAE-hosted Desert Flag Exercise Royal Saudi Air Force Participates in Red Flag 25-2 Exercise in US Royal Saudi Navy Participates in AMAN-25 Exercise in Pakistan Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Asharq Al-Awsat
02-05-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Royal Saudi Air Force Takes Part in Desert Flag 2025 Exercise in UAE
The Royal Saudi Air Force is participating in the Desert Flag 2025 exercise at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Friday. The exercise is a major regional joint air drill aimed at boosting combat readiness and operational capabilities through realistic warfare simulations. Royal Saudi Air Force aircrews flying F-15C aircraft are engaged in a range of training missions, including day and night operations, air support, and combat search and rescue.
American Press
30-04-2025
- General
- American Press
PHOTO GALLERY: Chennault hosts tactical training exercise
A B-52 strategic bomber from U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base and two F-15C Eagles from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans made a stop Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) A B-52 strategic bomber from U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base and two F-15C Eagles from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans made a stop Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) Chennault International Airport Executive Director Kevin Melton talks with the crew of a B-52 strategic bomber from the 2nd Bomb Wing based at Barksdale Air Force Base on Tuesday. The 2nd Bomb Wing and the 159th Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans participated in a joint exercise on Tuesday. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) Col. David 'Ripper' Anderso, Commander of the 159th Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, prepares to get out of a F-15C Eagle on Tuesday at Chennault International Airport. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) Ground crews check over an F-15C fighter jet from the 159th Fighter Wing from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans on Tuesday at Chennault International Airport. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) Col. Cody 'Viking' Clark with the gets ready to get out of his F-15C Eagle fighter jet on Tuesday at Chennault Internation Airport. The 159th Fighter Wing out of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans held a joint exercies with the U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Air Force Base using Chennault as a base of operations. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) An F-15C Eagle with the 159th Fighter Squadron Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans arrives at Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise with U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing out Barksdale Air Force Base. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) A B-52 strategic bomber with the U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Airforce Base lands at Chennault International Airport after participating in a joint exercise with F-15C Eagle fighter jets with the 159th Fighter Squadron from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) A B-52 strategic bomber with the U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Airforce Base lands at Chennault International Airport after participating in a joint exercise with F-15C Eagle fighter jets with the 159th Fighter Squadron from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) An F-15C Eagle with the 159th Fighter Squadron Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans at Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing out Barksdale Air Force Base. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) An F-15C Eagle with the 159th Fighter Squadron Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans pulls out of formation with a B-52 strategic bomber from U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base over Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) A B-52 strategic bomber from U.S. Air Force 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base and two F-15C Eagles from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans fly over Chennault International Airport on Tuesday after participating in a joint exercise. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press) Chennault International Airport Executive Director Kevin Melton talks with the Lt. Col. Cody 'Viking' Clark next to an F-15C Eagle with the 159th Fighter Wing out of Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans on Tuesday. The 159th participated in a joint exercise with the 2nd Bomb Wing out of Barksdale Air Force Base. (Rodrick Anderson / American Press)
