The first F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base departed Boeing’s St. Louis facility August 28, 2026 en route to Portland, marking another milestone toward the permanent stationing of the U.S. Air Force’s newest Eagle variant in Japan.
At Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, the aircraft will undergo additional preparations before its eventual movement to Kadena Air Base.
The F-15EX represents continued U.S. investment in Kadena and the modernization of its permanent fighter force, reinforcing the enduring U.S.-Japan defense partnership and readiness in an evolving security environment.
“This is an important next step toward bringing the F-15EX home to Kadena,” said Brig. Gen. John Gallemore, 18th Wing commander. “Our team is ready to welcome the F-15EX, and this is another milestone that brings us closer to putting this capability in the hands of the Airmen who will fly, maintain and employ it from Japan.”
The F-15EX is the Air Force’s most advanced iteration of the Eagle platform, incorporating advanced avionics, increased payload capacity and multi-role capabilities. Its permanent stationing at Kadena will replace the legacy F-15C/D fleet as part of the Air Force’s broader modernization of tactical airpower.
Kadena will become the second Air Force location with combat-coded F-15EX aircraft, following the Oregon Air National Guard’s 142nd Wing at Portland Air National Guard Base. F-15EX aircraft are scheduled to begin arriving at Kadena in fiscal year 2027.
The permanent stationing of the F-15EX will enhance Kadena’s ability to generate ready combat airpower while providing opportunities to train and integrate alongside the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and other allies and partners. The 18th Wing regularly trains with JASDF F-15s based at Naha Air Base through bilateral exercises and other training opportunities designed to strengthen interoperability and the U.S.-Japan defense partnership.
As Kadena prepares for the F-15EX’s permanent arrival, the 18th Wing remains focused on fully integrating the new aircraft while maintaining readiness and enhancing regional security
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026, before departing for Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. The milestone brings the 18th Wing another step closer to the permanent stationing of the Air Force’s most advanced iteration of the Eagle platform at Kadena. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, taxis at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026, before departing for Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon. The milestone brings the 18th Wing another step closer to the permanent stationing of the Air Force’s most advanced iteration of the Eagle platform at Kadena. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, is photographed at Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026. Equipped with advanced avionics, radar and electronic warfare systems, the F-15EX represents the latest evolution of the Eagle platform and the modernization of U.S. tactical airpower. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, flies en route to Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, after departing Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026. The F-15EX will modernize Kadena’s permanent fighter force, providing advanced capabilities to strengthen readiness and support the enduring U.S.-Japan defense partnership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, flies en route to Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, after departing Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026. The F-15EX will modernize Kadena’s permanent fighter force, providing advanced capabilities to strengthen readiness and support the enduring U.S.-Japan defense partnership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
A U.S. Air Force F-15EX Eagle II designated for Kadena Air Base, Japan, flies en route to Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, after departing Boeing’s St. Louis facility, Aug. 28, 2026. The F-15EX will modernize Kadena’s permanent fighter force, providing advanced capabilities to strengthen readiness and support the enduring U.S.-Japan defense partnership. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Melany Bermudez)
