F-15EX Fighter Jet Departs Boeing Facility for Next Milestone

The US Air Force has taken another step towards permanently stationing its most advanced F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets at Kadena Air Base in Japan. On August 28, 2026, a Boeing facility in St. Louis, Missouri, the first of these high-tech aircraft departed for Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon. This milestone brings the 18th Wing closer to having the most advanced iteration of the Eagle platform at Kadena.

The F-15EX is considered one of the world's most advanced fighter jets, with its ability to perform complex maneuvers and carry out a variety of missions. Its permanent stationing at Kadena will enhance the Air Force's presence in the region and provide a significant boost to its defense capabilities. The 18th Wing has been working towards this goal for some time, and the departure of the first F-15EX is a major step forward.

The US Air Force is upgrading its fighter jet fleet with the F-15EX, which boasts advanced avionics, sensors, and engines. This upgrade will allow the Air Force to stay ahead of emerging threats and maintain its dominance in the skies. The permanent stationing of the F-15EX at Kadena will also provide a significant boost to the region's defense capabilities and enhance the US-Japan alliance.