Summary
The U.S. is bolstering its Kadena Air Base in Japan to prepare for potential Chinese missile threats. Engineers and military personnel are training to swiftly repair damage to the airfield to maintain the base's operational readiness.
Key Facts
- Kadena Air Base is located on Okinawa Island in Japan, about 370 miles from Taiwan.
- The base is a key hub for U.S. air operations, involving Air Force, Marine Corps, and Navy drone fleets.
- The U.S. is concerned about potential threats from China, which has more than 2,000 ballistic missiles that can reach Japan.
- Kadena Air Base is currently protected by the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 defense system.
- The 18th Civil Engineer Squadron recently conducted drills to practice rapid airfield repairs during an exercise on November 6.
- These exercises focus on assessing and fixing airfield damage quickly to keep the base operational.
- Upgrades to the runway are intended to improve durability and reduce the need for frequent repairs in the future.
