Massive US Air Power Display in Japan Sends Strong Message

In a show of force and regional deterrence, the US Air Force recently conducted a large-scale ‘elephant walk’ in Japan, deploying a swarm of supersonic stealth fighters and advanced air defense systems.

53 Aircraft in Impressive Display

The impressive formation, involving 53 aircraft, took place at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, a major US military installation strategically located about 400 miles off the coast of China. This week’s display involved a tight formation of fighter jets behind helicopters and drones, with larger aircraft stationed at the rear flanked by Patriot air defense systems.

Photographs captured by the Air Force showcased the impressive sight of the aircraft lined up on the runway, ready for takeoff.

‘A Message You Can’t Ignore’

The ‘elephant walk,’ a traditional military maneuver involving the taxiing of aircraft in close formation, is a powerful visual demonstration of military readiness and capability.

“An elephant walk like this sends a message you can’t ignore—it shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we’re united, capable, and ready,” stated 18th Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Brandon Wolfgang.

Strengthening Alliances and Maintaining Stability

18th Wing Commander Brigadier General Nicholas Evans emphasized the significance of the display, stating, “The Air Force’s ability to ‘project airpower’ alongside its allies ‘demonstrates our commitment to the alliance with Japan and to maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific.’”

A Variety of Aircraft Involved

The impressive display included a mix of aircraft from various branches of the US military. The Air Force deployed 24 F-35As, eight F-15E Strike Eagles, six HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, and two MQ-9 Reaper drones. The US Navy contributed two EA-18G Growler electronic warfare fighter-bombers and one P-8 Poseidon submarine hunter, while the US Army provided two MIM-104 Patriots mobile interceptor missile surface-to-air missile systems.

One of the Largest ‘Elephant Walks’ in Recent Memory

According to military news website Task and Purpose, this week’s ‘elephant walk’ is believed to be among the largest in recent history, surpassing the 52-aircraft formation at Hill Air Force Base in Utah in 2020.

Part of Larger Readiness Training

The display coincided with the 18th Wing’s week of operational readiness training, which included ground burst simulators, smoke canisters, and mobilization drills. Wolfgang emphasized the importance of these exercises, stating, “Our Airmen are out there doing the mission every day. Exercises like this sharpen their skills under pressure and make sure they are ready when it matters.”