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Air Force F-22 Raptors have arrived at Kadena Air Base, Japan, for a rotation aimed at strengthening regional interoperability and sustaining a persistent, high-tech presence in the Indo-Pacific.
The aircraft are assigned to the 90th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, and the 27th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, marking the latest fighter rotation supporting operations across the region.
While at Kadena, the Raptors will operate alongside heavy, reconnaissance, and fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft assigned to the 18th Wing, ensuring continuous and credible fighter capability. Aircrews and maintainers will integrate with the wing’s operations and maintenance groups, as well as joint and allied partners, to refine tactics, strengthen interoperability, and sustain readiness for real-world contingencies.
The F-22 is a fifth-generation air superiority fighter designed to combine low observability, advanced sensors, and high maneuverability to excel in contested environments. Its ability to detect, track, and engage targets at long range while remaining difficult to detect is intended to enhance survivability and control of the air.
The presence of these forces, alongside personnel from across the wing, underscores a commitment to defend Japan under the U.S.-Japan security alliance and to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The 18th Wing will continue to follow applicable bilateral agreements with the Japanese government on noise abatement. Visiting aircrews receive briefings on local procedures, and mission planners factor in measures to limit local impacts.
Modernizing airpower in the Indo-Pacific remains a priority. Fighter rotations at Kadena support a continuous, credible presence—sustaining current missions while preparing for the future arrival of the F-15EX Eagle II—and maintain a persistent and potent posture intended to respond decisively, deter aggression, and shape the future of air dominance.
