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Originally Posted by Llarry
Given all the discussion about competition between the USA and China, it is interesting to note that the U.S. Air Force plans to (or is in the process of) withdraw the two F-15C squadrons based at Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. That will leave Kadena, at the "crossroads of the Pacific" without combat aircraft.
There will still be fighter wings in Korea and Misawa, N. Japan. And, of course, the Republic of Korea Air Force and the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force have good capabilities in the area. Recent press reports suggest that Japan is going to very substantially increase their defense budget.
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An Air Force press release from several months ago which I just saw reported the withdrawal of a first batch of F-15Cs from Okinawa. It also stated that the Air Force will be filling the requirement for fighters at Kadena by assigning aircraft from elsewhere on a temporary rotating basis. That makes me feel better about the situation, particularly given the tensions in the region.
The 18th Wing at Kadena will still have permanently assigned E-3B or E-3G AWACS and KC-135R tanker aircraft.