F-15EX Eagle II Takes Flight for Kadena

The U.S. Air Force has taken a significant step in modernizing its tactical airpower in the Indo-Pacific region with the departure of the first F-15EX Eagle II from Boeing's St. Louis facility on August 28, 2026.

The aircraft, designated for permanent assignment at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan, will undergo final staging and integration preparations before its deployment to the base.

Kadena will become the second Air Force location with combat-coded F-15EX aircraft, following the Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing.

The F-15EX is a significant jump in capability over the legacy Eagles, featuring modernized avionics, flight controls, an expanded electronic warfare suite, and increased weapons carriage.