Pentagon Seeks to Remove Fighter Jets From Japan; Republicans Demand Answers

Japanese F-15 jets fly during the military review at the Ground Self-Defense Force's Asaka training ground on Oct. 27. China created an air defense zone in the East China Sea, which requires foreign jets to cooperate with Chinese authorities. Toru Yamanaka/AFP/Getty Images

Republican lawmakers are seeking an explanation from U.S. military leadership about reports that the Pentagon is seeking to end the presence of dozens of fighter jets in Japan without creating a new permanent force to replace them.

According to Defense News, the Pentagon is planning to remove two squadrons of F-15C Eagle fighters that are currently stationed in Japan. The effort is intended to help modernize the military by phasing out old aircraft such as the F-15, which has been in service since 1976.