US Military Activities Intensify at Kadena Air Base in Japan

Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa, has become a focal point for US military operations in the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force shared insights regarding heightened Chinese military activity nearby, underlining the strategic importance of this base, which is situated nearly 1,000 miles southwest of Tokyo.

During a recent reporting trip, Breaking Defense captured images and details of various aircraft stationed at Kadena, highlighting the ongoing United States military presence in the area. The base is home to a continuous rotation of aircraft, which includes at least one RC-135 that specializes in monitoring and tracking ballistic missile launches. This particular aircraft, the RC-135S Cobra Ball from the 55th Wing, was photographed as it landed after deploying from its home base in Offutt, Nebraska.

Key Aircraft Operations at Kadena

The operational capabilities of US military aircraft at Kadena extend beyond surveillance. The P-8A Poseidon, part of Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 “Golden Eagles,” was seen preparing for takeoff. Equipped with the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor pod, this aircraft can effectively track moving targets both at sea and on land, showcasing the technological edge of US forces in the region.

The MQ-9 Reaper, operated by the US Air Force’s 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, plays a vital role in airborne reconnaissance. This squadron collaborates closely with Japan’s Ministry of Defense, underlining the cooperative defense efforts between the two nations.

Another notable aircraft at Kadena is the Bombardier Global Express 6000/6500, which is fitted with the L3Harris Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES). This system enhances the aircraft’s capabilities by integrating existing Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) technologies and allowing for the addition of various payloads and sensors.

The presence of the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper from the Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3 further illustrates the diverse range of unmanned systems deployed at the base. Recently, this drone was photographed as it touched down, emphasizing its role in modern military operations.

Current Status of Combat Aircraft

While Kadena Air Base has traditionally hosted a fleet of combat aircraft, the current situation reflects a transitional phase. Following the retirement of its F-15C/D Eagle interceptors, the base does not have any permanently assigned combat aircraft from the 18th Wing. Instead, rotational deployments of fighter jets from other US Air Force units occur, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Fighter Squadron, which is normally based at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. The base is expected to receive new F-15EX Eagle IIs by fiscal year 2026, signaling a significant upgrade to its air combat capabilities.

On September 29, 2025, a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker from the resident 18th Wing was also seen preparing for a mission. This tanker, part of the Young Tigers of the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, supports various US air assets operating in the region, further ensuring sustained military readiness.

Kadena Air Base remains a critical asset for the US military, particularly in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. The ongoing operations and the variety of aircraft stationed there underscore the strategic significance of this installation in promoting regional security and stability.