The United States Air Force (USAF) is to modernize its fleet stationed in Japan over the next several years by deploying the F-15EX and F-35. Additionally, it recently resumed V-22 Osprey operations at Yokota Air Base following last year's crash that led to the deaths of eight service members.

USAF Japan fleet modernization

As announced by the US Department of Defense (DoD), the USAF will upgrade aircraft under its command in Japan, with the F-15EX and F-35 - in their first USAF forward-based deployment - set to replace its F-15C/D and F16 fleet. The DoD says the deployments will amount to a more than $10 billion investment in the region, which will include:

• 36 F-15EXs to replace 48 F-15C/Ds at Kadena Air Base
• 48 F-35As to replace 36 F-16s at Misawa Air Base

Kadena Air Base, also known as the "Keystone of the Pacific" owing to its strategic position near Taiwan, has already committed to a phased withdrawal of its aging F-15 fleet and the deployment of the F-15EX was expected. The air base has been rotating other aircraft types in recent years and will continue to do so as it transitions - the F-15EX features enhanced capabilities, including electronic warfare and advanced radar, to take on modern threats.

The commitment to a ramp-up in military capability in the region comes amid rising geopolitical tensions, particularly China and its claims on Taiwan. The DoD's plan will also involve "modifying" the number of F-35Bs available to the US Marine Corps at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni, which will also continue to rotate aircraft. The Pentagon is currently in the process of implementing significant upgrades across the F-35 fleet, starting with Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) - which will enhance its computing capabilities - followed by comprehensive Block 4 electronic warfare upgrades.

V-22 Osprey flights resume

The USAF has also announced the return of the V-22 Osprey to service at Yokota Air Base following the deadly accident off the coast of Japan last year. The crash, on November 29, 2023, led to the deaths of eight US service members and the type's grounding. In March, the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) issued a flight bulletin permitting the aircraft to return to service, despite the fact the investigation into last year's crash remains open.

Lt. Col. Matthew Davis, 21st Special Operations Squadron commander, commented,

"Safety mitigation measures have been taken seriously, and we would not fly this aircraft without full confidence in the measures, the maintenance professionals implementing them, and the skilled professionals who fly it."

Personnel have undergone comprehensive technical training and maintained readiness during the fleet's grounding through simulator training.