American Military Aircraft Showcase Operations at Kadena Air Base

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, a team from Breaking Defense visited the base to discuss military operations with officials from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This visit highlighted significant developments regarding Chinese activities in the area and unveiled potential incidents that could pose risks to regional security.

The US Air Force maintains a consistent rotational presence at Kadena, which includes various aircraft types dedicated to reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Among them is the RC-135S Cobra Ball from the 55th Wing, which specializes in monitoring and tracking ballistic missile launches. Photographs captured during the visit show the Cobra Ball landing at Kadena after a deployment from its home base in Offutt, Nebraska.

Advanced Surveillance Capabilities

The base is also home to the P-8A Poseidon, operated by Patrol Squadron (VP) 9, known as the “Golden Eagles.” This aircraft is equipped with advanced radar systems, including the AN/APS-154 Advanced Airborne Sensor pod, which tracks moving targets both at sea and on land. A recent image depicted the P-8A preparing for takeoff, underscoring its role in maritime reconnaissance.

Additionally, the MQ-9 Reaper drones, operated by the US Air Force’s 319th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, play a crucial part in aerial surveillance efforts. These drones work in coordination with Japan’s Ministry of Defense to provide critical reconnaissance in the region.

Another aircraft seen at Kadena is the Bombardier Global Express 6000/6500, which has been fitted with the L3Harris Airborne Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare System (ARES). This system enhances intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities by integrating existing Army assets and allowing for additional payloads and sensors.

Current Operations and Future Deployments

The US Marine Corps also contributes to operations at Kadena with the General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper from Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 3. A recent photograph captured the Reaper landing at the base, illustrating its operational role in the region.

In terms of electronic intelligence, the Boeing RC-135V/W Rivet Joint is another vital asset at Kadena. This aircraft is designed to detect and identify signals from various sources, including radar and communication systems, which enhances the military’s situational awareness.

Kadena Air Base currently does not have any permanent combat aircraft assigned to the 18th Wing, following the retirement of the F-15C/D Eagle interceptors. Instead, the base hosts rotational deployments from other US Air Force fighter units, such as the F-15E Strike Eagle from the 336th Fighter Squadron, which is typically based at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina. These deployments will continue until the arrival of the new F-15EX Eagle IIs, expected in fiscal year 2026.

On September 29, 2025, a Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker from the resident 18th Wing was seen preparing for a mission to support US air assets, further illustrating the strategic importance of Kadena Air Base in maintaining a robust military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.

The activities at Kadena Air Base not only showcase the advanced military capabilities of the United States but also highlight the ongoing collaborative efforts with allies in the region to ensure security and stability.