NEWSWEEK – The United States has staged a show of force with over 50 military aircraft and a pair of missile launchers at Kadena Air Base in Japan, its frontline outpost in the Western Pacific Ocean.
Kadena Air Base is located on the island of Okinawa in the southwestern waters of Japan. The American military hub is about 370 miles away from Taiwan, making it the closest U.S. air base to the self-governed island. China has claimed sovereignty over Taiwan, threatening to use force against the U.S. security partner.
The majority of aircraft in the formation were from the Air Force, including 24 F-35A stealth fighter jets, eight F-15E fighter aircraft, six HH-60 helicopters, six KC-135 aerial refueling tanker aircraft, two MQ-9 drones, two MC-130J combat transport and special operations tanker aircraft, one RC-135 spy plane, and one E-3G early warning and control aircraft.
Both the F-35A and F-15E jets were recently sent to Okinawa from their home bases in the U.S., forming the latest fighter aircraft rotation. The former were deployed from Alaska and Utah in two squadrons, while the latter was originally based in North Carolina.
