U.S. withdraws F-15 Eagle fighters from Kadena Air Base on Okinawa Island, which have provided security to Japan since 1979

The U.S. Air Force has decided to withdraw F-15C/D Eagle aircraft from Kadena, which is located on the Japanese island of Okinawa.

Here's What We Know

McDonnel Douglas fourth-generation all-weather fighters arrived on Okinawa Island in 1979. Officially, the purpose of the deployment of the 44th and 67th Fighter Squadrons was to provide security for Japan.

They were single-seat F-15C fighters and two-seat F-15Ds. The United States produced nearly 500 aircraft. Over several decades of deployment to the Japanese island, the F-15 Eagle has been upgraded with new radars and armament.

The U.S. has improved 43 of the fighters. Until then, only the F-15 Eagles from Kadena Air Base had advanced AESA radars that could detect Chinese aircraft. U.S. fighter jets had reached their operating hour limits. The U.S. Air Force wanted to extend the service life, but then abandoned the idea.

Source: Kadena Air Base