Jonathan Heywood, CGCS

Boeing has delivered the 22nd F-15EX Eagle II to the U.S. Air Force, and the aircraft is the first F-15EX destined for permanent assignment to the 67th Fighter Squadron at Kadena Air Base, Japan. The aircraft departed Boeing's St. Louis facility on August 28 and is currently at Portland Air National Guard Base, Oregon, where it will receive additional preparation before eventually moving to Kadena. The first permanently stationed F-15EXs are expected to begin arriving at Kadena during fiscal year 2027, which begins October 1st. The Air Force has said the F-15EX will bring advanced avionics, enhanced survivability, modern electronic-warfare systems and increased weapons capacity to Kadena, while the transition period is intended to give Airmen experience operating and sustaining the aircraft before it becomes a permanent part of the wing. Kadena is ultimately planned to receive 36 F-15EXs to replace its aging F-15C/D fleet.