The U.S. Air Force has significantly enhanced its forward posture in the Indo-Pacific with the deployment of F-35A Lightning IIs from the Vermont Air National Guard’s 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron (EFS) to Kadena Air Base, Japan, on Jan. 13. The move comes as the service begins to retire its ageing fleet of F-15C/D Eagles in Japan, some of which have been in service for more than four decades.
The U.S. Air Force is retiring its fleet of F-15C/D Eagle aircraft, which have been operational for over 40 years, and the 18th Wing, formerly the 18th Tactical Fighter Wing, first received the F-15C on 29 Sept. 1979. The 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron was the first to be fully operational with the Eagle in the Pacific Air Forces. To maintain continuous deterrence and operational flexibility, the Pentagon is temporarily deploying more advanced aircraft to replace the F-15s as they are phased out. Kadena is now serving as a key hub, hosting both fourth and fifth-generation fighters to backfill the F-15C/D Eagles as they are returned to the United States. This transition is designed to enhance the U.S.’s posture in the region and build on the foundation of its alliance with Japan. The F-35A, a high-performance multirole fighter with stealth, sensor fusion, and advanced situational awareness, is a critical part of this strategy.
The arrival of the 134th EFS’s F-35As is a significant development. The unit will integrate its capabilities with F-22 Raptors from the 155th EFS and F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th EFS.
“Our squadron eagerly anticipates the chance to elevate our training by testing Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concepts during this deployment,” said Lt. Col. Trevor Callen, commander of the 134th EFS. The unit plans to use the deployment to enhance its operational flexibility by integrating its experiences and techniques with bilateral partners and other Kadena-based units.
Kadena Air Base serves as a pivotal hub for Agile Combat Employment, and the 18th Wing will continue to receive rotational units to strengthen its capabilities. Rotational aircraft are a routine part of operations at Kadena, ensuring the base is prepared to fulfil its mission to defend Japan and maintain an open and free Indo-Pacific. These deployments also guarantee that the 18th Wing remains adaptable and ready to deliver credible air power to deter any potential acts of aggression.
The 18th Wing has pledged to adhere to all bilateral agreements with the Government of Japan, including those pertaining to noise abatement procedures. All visiting aircrews receive detailed briefings on local noise abatement procedures, and mission planners will remain mindful of the local community during their operations.
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