China’s Carrier Ambitions Face U.S. Might

February 9, 2026

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U.S. F-15EX and F-35 fighters just drilled combat tactics in China’s backyard, sending a clear message of American strength under President Trump’s renewed military focus.

Story Highlights

U.S. Air Force’s Resolute Force exercise at Kadena Air Base marked the F-15EX Eagle II’s first overseas deployment, pairing it with F-35 stealth fighters for Pacific deterrence.
China eyes nine aircraft carriers by 2035 and builds hundreds of J-20 stealth jets, demanding U.S. force multipliers like the F-15EX to counter Beijing’s aggression.
Allies like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore advance F-15 upgrades and F-35 integration, bolstering the free world’s air superiority against communist expansion.
Indonesia ditches 24 F-15EX jets for Italy’s M-346F, hedging bets amid budget woes and shaky KF-21 ties with South Korea—opening doors for Chinese influence.

Resolute Force: First F-15EX Deployment in Japan’s Skies

U.S. Air Force pilots flew the Resolute Force exercise in July 2025 at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. This marked the F-15EX Eagle II’s inaugural overseas mission. F-15EX fighters integrated with F-35 stealth jets to simulate contested Pacific battles. The drill showcased 4.5-generation platforms supporting fifth-generation stealth for air superiority. President Trump’s defense priorities now validate these operations, ensuring America leads in multi-domain warfare against rising threats.

F-15EX as Force Multiplier Against China’s Buildup

Senior Air Force leaders stress the F-15EX’s long-range weapons, carrying 12 missiles like AIM-120D and JDAMs. Boeing’s upgrades include fly-by-wire controls and computers processing 87 billion functions per second. These enable standoff strikes backing F-35s in high-threat zones. China’s three carriers, including advanced Fujian, and hundreds of J-20s plus J-35s demand such capabilities. Pentagon projections warn of nine Chinese carriers by 2035, underscoring urgency for U.S. deterrence.

Allied Upgrades Strengthen Pacific Alliance

South Korea secured a $2.8 billion Boeing contract to modernize 59 F-15K jets through 2037. Japan transforms its F-15 fleet to match new-production standards. Singapore trains pilots on F-35 integration, eyeing F-15SG upgrades. Japan’s massive F-35 buys create a robust shield with U.S. forces. These moves under Trump’s leadership counter globalist weaknesses, prioritizing allied interoperability and traditional alliances over Beijing’s influence.

The U.S.-Japan partnership at Kadena proves networked operations multiply force against peer foes. This template influences doctrine across the Pacific, validating 4.5-generation jets’ role despite stealth advances.

Indonesia’s Pivot: Snub to F-15EX Raises Concerns

Boeing confirmed on February 3, 2026, Indonesia canceled plans for 24 F-15EX fighters. The nation signed a Letter of Intent February 4 at Singapore Airshow for Leonardo’s M-346F Block 20. This lighter jet handles defense, policing, and reconnaissance with over 2,000 kg payload, replacing old Hawks. Indonesia’s KF-21 ties with South Korea strain over payments; it eyes used Eurofighters, Chinese J-10s, and Rafales.

A Fleet of F-15EX Eagle II and F-35 Fighters Has Trained for Combat in China’s Backyardhttps://t.co/1oldspwSoc

— 19FortyFive (@19_forty_five) February 7, 2026

Indonesia’s hedging diversifies suppliers amid budgets but risks Chinese foothold. Dropping U.S. jets weakens potential alliances against Beijing. Trump supporters see this as a reminder: strong American leadership pulls allies into the fold, while hesitation invites adversaries.