The first F-15EX assigned to Kadena Air Base departed Boeing's St. Louis facility on August 28, the 18th Wing reported on September 3. Its next destination was Portland Air National Guard Base in Oregon.
The aircraft will undergo additional preparations there before eventually moving to Okinawa. The announcement therefore marks progress toward permanent basing, rather than confirmation that this jet has already reached Japan.
Kadena describes the transition as modernization of its permanent fighter force and continued investment in the U.S.-Japan defense partnership. The report gives no final movement date. That remaining handover is the next milestone to watch.
Primary source: 18th Wing official report. Report published 2026-09-03; summary checked 2026-09-06.