First F-15EX Fighter Jet Rolled Out for U.S. Forces Japan, U.S. Military Completes First Live-Fire Verification

The first F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet designated for permanent assignment to Kadena Air Base in Japan left the Boeing factory at the end of August, heading to the Oregon Air National Guard for preparation. The unit recently completed its first live-fire payload and drop test, and the U.S. military plans to officially deploy it to Kadena Air Base in fiscal year 2027.

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Following the complete retirement of the F-15C/D Eagle fleet permanently stationed at Kadena Air Base by 2025, the base's regional air defense and deterrence missions are currently undertaken by rotating squadrons such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35A Lightning II.

Kadena Air Base issued a press release stating that the first F-15EX Eagle II fighter jet designated for permanent assignment to Kadena Air Base departed Boeing's St. Louis plant in late August and flew to the 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard for follow-up preparations, marking an important milestone toward permanent deployment in Japan. Brigadier General John Gallemore, commander of the 18th Wing of U.S. Forces Japan, stated in the press release that the wing is ready to welcome the F-15EX.

The 142nd Wing of the Oregon Air National Guard is the first combat unit to field the F-15EX Eagle II. The wing conducted its first live-fire weapon drop test with the aircraft at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada from late August to early September, verifying air-to-ground strike effectiveness and achieving a historical milestone. Previously, the F-15EX had completed a series of tests to verify guided weapons and live-fire payload and bombing performance, but this is the first time a frontline combat unit has completed such testing, aiming to accelerate the U.S. military's F-15EX re-equipping pace.

The F-15EX is the U.S. Air Force's most advanced Eagle fighter jet, equipped with advanced avionics, a payload capacity of 29,500 pounds, and capable of carrying up to 12 air-to-air missiles. The U.S. Air Force plans to deploy the F-15EX to Kadena Air Base in fiscal year 2027, while also planning to expand the F-15EX fleet size to 267 aircraft.