US Air Force Demonstrates Combat Power with 50+ Aircraft at Kadena Air Base, Japan

The U.S. military demonstrated a significant show of force at Kadena Air Base in Japan, the closest U.S. airbase to Taiwan, through a large-scale exercise known as an 'Elephant Walk,' featuring over 50 aircraft and two Patriot missile launchers. This formation included a diverse array of assets from the Air Force, Navy, and Army, such as 24 F-35A stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, HH-60 helicopters, MQ-9 drones, and electronic warfare and early warning aircraft, underscoring combat readiness and regional deterrence. The event highlighted ongoing upgrades at Kadena, with older F-15C/D jets being replaced by more advanced F-15EX models, maintaining a rotational fighter presence to bolster capabilities. Kadena Air Base serves as a critical hub for power projection and agile combat employment in the Indo-Pacific, supporting the U.S. commitment to defend Japan and maintain a free and open regional order amid tensions with China over Taiwan. U.S. military leaders emphasized the importance of such exercises for readiness and partnership with regional allies, preparing to respond swiftly to contingencies. This demonstration sends a clear signal of U.S. resolve and military preparedness in the face of potential regional conflicts.