US Military Expands Operations at Kadena Air Base in Japan

Kadena Air Base, located on the island of Okinawa and nearly 1,000 miles southwest of Tokyo, is the largest US military installation in the Indo-Pacific region. Recently, officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force provided insights into escalating Chinese activity in the area, which has prompted increased military operations.

As part of a reporting initiative, Breaking Defense explored Kadena Air Base, highlighting the strategic importance of the site and its ongoing operations. The base is currently home to a constant rotational presence of US aircraft, including the RC-135S Cobra Ball from the 55th Wing. This aircraft plays a crucial role in monitoring and tracking ballistic missile launches. A recent photograph captured the Cobra Ball landing after a deployment from its home base in Offutt, Nebraska.

Advanced Surveillance Capabilities

In addition to the RC-135, Kadena hosts a US Navy P-8A Poseidon from Patrol Squadron (VP) 9 “Golden Eagles.” This aircraft is equipped with the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor pod, which includes advanced radar capabilities for tracking moving targets both at sea and on land. The P-8A is a vital asset for maritime reconnaissance missions, enhancing the US military’s ability to monitor the region.

The MQ-9 Reaper, operated by the US Air Force’s 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, is another key player in Kadena’s aerial operations. This unmanned aerial vehicle conducts critical reconnaissance missions, collaborating closely with Japan’s Ministry of Defense to ensure regional security.

A Bombardier Global Express 6000/6500, outfitted with the L3Harris Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES), was also observed operating from the base. This system integrates various intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, allowing for enhanced operational flexibility and extended ranges.

Changing Aircraft Landscape

The operational landscape at Kadena is evolving. Following the retirement of the F-15C/D Eagle interceptors assigned to the 18th Wing, the base currently lacks its own combat aircraft. Instead, it relies on rotational deployments from other US Air Force fighter units. For instance, an F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Fighter Squadron, typically based in North Carolina, has been deployed to Kadena until the arrival of the new F-15EX Eagle IIs, expected in fiscal year 2026.

On September 29, 2025, a US Air Force Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker from the 18th Wing was seen preparing for a mission to support other US air assets operating in the region. The 909th Air Refueling Squadron, known as the Young Tigers, manages this vital refueling capability, ensuring that US aircraft maintain their operational readiness.

Kadena Air Base remains a focal point for US military activities in the Indo-Pacific, reflecting the strategic importance of the region in light of evolving geopolitical dynamics. The base’s capabilities and evolving fleet underscore the United States’ commitment to maintaining a strong presence in Asia and collaborating closely with allied nations.