The United States Air Force has announced a $10 billion (more than 70 billion yuan) modernization program aimed at upgrading its military bases in Japan to enhance its military deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. The plan will involve three main bases: Kadena Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Iwakuni Air Base.
Kadena Air Base: Arrival of the F-15EX
At Kadena Air Base, the closest United States military facility to Taiwan, the existing 48 F-15 fighter jets will be replaced by 36 more advanced F-15EX fighter jets. The F-15EX is the latest evolution of the F-15 family, with a more powerful avionics system, more efficient engines, and greater weapon-carrying capacity. The replacement will significantly enhance the base's air combat capabilities.
The F-15EX is a modernized version of Boeing's F-15E Strike Eagle that incorporates the latest avionics, weapons systems, and maintenance concepts. The aircraft is designed to fill the gap left by the gradual retirement of the F-15C/D fleet, while providing capabilities that complement the F-35A. The F-15EX is equipped with an advanced Active Phased Array Radar (AESA), which is capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously and providing precise target positioning. In addition, the aircraft has advanced electronic warfare systems, including a digital electronic warfare suite (DEW) and an advanced electronic warfare management system (EWMS), capable of maintaining survivability in a complex electromagnetic environment.
The F-15EX uses two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, which provide higher thrust and better fuel efficiency than earlier F-15 models, increasing the aircraft's combat radius and airtime. The F-15EX has a strong weapon carrying capacity, capable of carrying up to 22 air-to-air missiles or a variety of air-to-surface weapons, including laser-guided bombs, cruise missiles, and more. The F-15EX features an open-architecture avionics system, which makes it easier to perform software upgrades and hardware replacements, reducing maintenance costs and improving serviceability. The F-15EX features an all-new digital cockpit with a large color display that improves pilot efficiency and situational awareness.
According to the United States Air Force's plan, the F-15EX will gradually replace the existing F-15C/D fleet and deploy to key operating bases. For example, at Kadena Air Base, 48 F-15 fighters will be replaced by 36 F-15EX fighters, which will significantly increase the base's air combat capabilities.
Misawa Air Base: introduction of the F-35A
At Misawa Air Base, 36 aging F-16 fighters will be replaced by 48 F-35A stealth fighters. The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter with stealth capabilities, advanced sensors and network-centric combat capabilities, which will greatly improve the air superiority of the United States Air Force in Japan. The upgrade will also make the Misawa base an important air power node for United States in the Asia-Pacific region.
Iwakuni Air Base: F-35B number adjustment
At the Iwakuni military base, where United States Marines are stationed, the Pentagon plans to "adjust" the number of F-35B fighters. The F-35B is a short take-off/vertical landing (STOVL) model in the F-35 family, which is particularly suitable for use on aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. While details of the changes have not yet been announced, the change will undoubtedly increase the flexibility and responsiveness of the United States Marine Corps in the region.
Response to China's military dynamics
While the Pentagon did not directly mention China when announcing these plans, the moves were a clear response to China's military modernization. In recent years, China has stepped up the pace of military modernization, especially in the field of air force. For example, China has recently added advanced aircraft such as the J-20 fighter jet in the East China Sea and the South China Sea to replace the aging fighter jet. It is worth noting that some of China's J-20 bases are not far from the Kadena base, indicating that the United States is closely monitoring China's military deployment in the region and adjusting accordingly.
With this series of upgrades and replacements, the goal of the United States is to ensure its air superiority in the Asia-Pacific region and prepare for possible conflicts. The move not only strengthens United States's military presence in the region, but also sends a clear signal to United States its allies that they don't want to do anything to improve relations with China behind United States's back.