The first permanently assigned F-15EX Eagle II fighter jets have arrived at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

Axar.az reports, citing the Kadena Air Force, that Kadena has become the first US overseas airbase to receive combat-coded F-15EX aircraft and the second Air Force installation to operate the advanced fighters.

The deployment marks a new phase in the replacement of Kadena's F-15C/D fleet, which began its phased withdrawal in November 2022 after more than 40 years of service.

The F-15EX features advanced avionics, modern electronic warfare systems, and increased weapons-carrying capacity, strengthening US airpower in the Indo-Pacific region.

A total of 36 such fighters are planned to be sent to Okinawa over the next few years.