<p>To counter Chinese aggression against Taiwan, and to reaffirm its aerial dominance in the Indo-Pacific, the US is deploying its F-15EX Eagle most advanced air superiority fighter, at the Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. The deployment marks a significant milestone as the US replaces its ageing F-15C/D fleet with the formidable F-15EX, a fighter jet that boasts a significant kill ratio of 104-0. Introduced in 1976, it had never been shot down in combat.</p><p>The first two F-15EX is touched down at the Kadena Air Base on July 12 for familiarisation training before a permanent fleet of 36 of the jets is scheduled to arrive by the spring of 2026, signifying a long-term commitment in the region. &nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="ja" dir="ltr">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。<br>53rd WNG 85th TES &quot;Flying Skulls&quot; F-16C OT 98-0005, F-15E 88-1681, F-15EX 20-0004, 20-0005 <br>Kadena Air Base 20250712 <a href="https://t.co/aNs6wN2Dgi">pic.twitter.com/aNs6wN2Dgi</a></p>&mdash; いらぶちゃー (@okadna35) <a href="https://twitter.com/okadna35/status/1944200769898696745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 13, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Why Kadena Air Base is important?</h2><p>Kadena is part of the first island chain in Japan’s southwestern waters. The airbase in Okinawa is closest to the island nation of Taiwan, which is facing pressure from China. The F-15EX Eagle II is the latest addition to the arsenal of the US, and it is sleekest, with upgraded radar systems, enhanced electronic warfare capabilities. It also has the enhanced capability to carry a larger payload of advanced missiles. The most advanced Eagle variant has digital fly-by-wire flight controls and an LAD glass cockpit with a touch-screen interface. Its Open Mission System software enables rapid upgrade and capability enhancement, and the latest Suite 9.1 software is compatible with legacy aircraft.</p><p>With tensions rising over Taiwan and China’s rapidly expanding air force, which is producing aircraft at a 1.2:1 ratio compared to the US, the deployment is seen as a critical deterrent. In April 2025, Admiral Samuel Paparo, the new commander of the Indo-Pacific Command, warned the US that China has increased its aerial capabilities and is capable of denying US air superiority in the First Island Chain.&nbsp;</p><p>Pentagon officials say the move underscores Washington’s commitment to maintaining a "free and open Indo-Pacific", as Beijing asserts growing influence across the South and East China Seas.<br><br>&nbsp;</p>

The United States have recently deployed lethal F-15EX Eagles replacing the ageing F-15C/D. The fighter jet had landed on the Kadena Air Base on July 12. US is looking to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing Chinese threat.

To counter Chinese aggression against Taiwan, and to reaffirm its aerial dominance in the Indo-Pacific, the US is deploying its F-15EX Eagle most advanced air superiority fighter, at the Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan. The deployment marks a significant milestone as the US replaces its ageing F-15C/D fleet with the formidable F-15EX, a fighter jet that boasts a significant kill ratio of 104-0. Introduced in 1976, it had never been shot down in combat. The first two F-15EX is touched down at the Kadena Air Base on July 12 for familiarisation training before a permanent fleet of 36 of the jets is scheduled to arrive by the spring of 2026, signifying a long-term commitment in the region.

<p>The United States have recently deployed lethal F-15EX Eagles replacing the ageing F-15C/D. The fighter jet had landed on the Kadena Air Base on July 12. The US is looking to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific to counter the growing Chinese threat.</p>

US is deploying its lethal F-15EX Eagle with 104-0 kill record in Taiwan strait to counter China in the Indo-Pacific

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US is deploying its lethal F-15EX Eagle with 104-0 kill record in Taiwan strait to counter China in the Indo-Pacific