US EditionDozens of American warplanes roll out in Pacific show of strength on Okinawa
- On May 6, 2025, the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Navy conducted an elephant walk featuring 53 aircraft and missile systems at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa.
- The event took place following recent rotation deployments and coincided with several days of exercises using simulators, smoke effects, and mobilization drills alongside Japan's defense forces to evaluate Kadena's level of readiness.
- The formation included 24 F-35A fighters, eight F-15E jets, six HH-60G helicopters, two MQ-9 drones, Navy EA-18G and P-8 aircraft, plus two Army Patriot missile batteries.
- Brig. Gen. Nicholas Evans said the elephant walk sends a message you can't ignore, showing that forces are united, capable, and ready.
- The display demonstrated U.S. Commitment to joint operations and regional deterrence as Kadena prepares to receive 36 new F-15EX fighters between March and June 2026.
17 Articles
17 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 …
The Sun
The US SunUS 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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