Following the arrival of F-35 fighters at Kadena Air Base, Japan, the United States Air Force (USAF) confirmed that between January 8 and 15, its F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron participated in an Agile Combat Employment (ACE) exercise. It is worth noting that the Japanese base has become a key location for force deployment, making it a target for deterring adversaries and strengthening the United States’ regional alliances.
During the exercise, coordinated and evaluated by the 18th Wing, the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron operated from the Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Japan, to simulate deployment and combat air operations from a decentralized location.
The exercise employed a “hub-and-spoke” strategy, along with operational maneuvers applied to already deployed forces. According to the statement, this aimed to enhance survivability and provide more options for commanders.
Finally, it is well-known that the core idea of Agile Combat Employment is to improve the Air Force’s ability to adapt quickly, reduce vulnerabilities, and maintain operational pressure on adversaries. The practice of such operations has become an evident priority for the United States Air Force. Several examples illustrate this, such as the participation of the 18th Wing’s F-16s with South Korea’s Air Force, where Captain Shaun Silk, leader of the 35th Fighter Squadron, stated that through ACE, Air Forces learn to operate without relying on all the usual support assets and capabilities. In other words, the goal is to practice and plan beyond the comfort zones provided by large air bases.
Credits: United States Air Force
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