U.S. F-16s Set To Replace Aging F-15s At Kadena

The U.S. Air Force is shifting aircraft to Japan as it prepares to retire aging jets based there, reports Air and Space Forces Magazine.

The service has temporarily deployed F-16CMs from Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany to Kadena Air Base in Japan to replace F-15C/D jets that are slated for retirement.

The F-16s from the 52nd Fighter Wing include aircraft with the “Have Glass” modifications that improve stealth.

The Air Force is still working to determine a permanent replacement for the F-15s. Air Force officials told the magazine that possible replacements include F-15EX, F-22 and F-35 fighters or the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) system.

The phased withdrawal of the F-15s from Kadena is scheduled to take two years.