US EditionDozens of American warplanes roll out in Pacific show of strength on Okinawa
- On May 6, 2025, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa hosted an elephant walk featuring 53 military planes alongside a pair of Patriot missile launchers.
- The event took place during the 18th Wing’s week dedicated to operational readiness training conducted in collaboration with Japan’s defense forces to evaluate the base’s preparedness.
- The diverse formation included 24 F-35As, eight F-15Es, six HH-60G helicopters, two MQ-9 drones, and Navy electronic warfare aircraft, all reflecting integrated joint capability.
- Brigadier General Nicholas Evans highlighted that the display of an elephant walk clearly demonstrates the unity, readiness, and capability of the forces involved.
- The event highlighted Kadena’s crucial role in demonstrating airpower and maintaining deterrence to support stability and open access across the Indo-Pacific region amid evolving security challenges.
13 Articles
13 Articles
US Air Force's massive 53-aircraft runway exercise 'sends a message you can't ignore' to rivals like China
US Air Force and Navy fighter jets and military helicopters line up on the runway for an elephant walk on Kadena Air Base.U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Tylir MeyerA 53-aircraft exercise put US military airpower on display in Japan earlier this week.Fighter jets, rescue helicopters, and spy planes taxiied the runway at Kadena Air Base.The massive aircraft display "sends a message you can't ignore," a senior enlisted leader said.Dozens of …
US stages biggest EVER ‘elephant walk’ with supersonic jets & drones
THE US has staged its biggest military attack formation ever in the South China Sea region – showcasing supersonic stealth jets, attack helicopters and military drones. The show of power, dubbed “Elephant Walk”, was formed using 53 US military aircraft and was put up in a display at the US military base in Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Public Affairs Journeyman / Snr Airman Tyley MeyerU.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, along …
This 53-aircraft 'elephant walk' in Japan might be the largest we've ever seen
Like the rest of us, the Air Force’s tradition of “elephant walks” is apparently not immune to inflation, because last weekend’s display at Kadena Air Base in Japan is the largest we’ve ever seen. More than four dozen aircraft, plus a battery of anti-aircraft missiles, put on a “walk” last weekend. The Air Force aircraft included: 24 F-35As; eight F-15E Strike Eagles; six HH-60 Pave Hawk rescue helicopters; two MQ-9 Reaper drones; two MC-130J C…
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