Breaking News: Japan to send F-15J fighter jets to Europe for the first time in historic deployment
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On August 29, 2025, UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that Japan will send its F-15J fighter jets to Europe for the first time in the coming weeks, with deployments planned for the United Kingdom as part of a new arrangement between Tokyo and London. Announced during a Defence Ministerial meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani Gen, this deployment marks the first occasion that Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) aircraft will operate in Europe, reflecting an expanded defence partnership that treats the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific as indivisible.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Although closely related to the American F-15C/D, the F-15J family incorporates indigenous Japanese electronic warfare and warning systems and an indigenous tactical datalink that connects to ground-controlled intercept networks rather than the U.S. Link 16 architecture (Picture source: US DoD)
The deployment announcement coincided with the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to Japan as part of Operation Highmast and follows the first landing of British F-35B aircraft on the Japanese warship JS Kaga. The Japanese deployment to the UK has not been accompanied by details such as the exact number of aircraft or the duration of their stationing. However, Japanese officials have indicated that the aircraft could be showcased at bases in other European countries, with the deployments potentially linked to wider NATO initiatives aimed at reinforcing deterrence and stability.
This move aligns Japan with other Indo-Pacific partners already contributing to European security, such as Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail and New Zealand’s C-130J-30 flights. The ministerial meeting also produced a joint statement confirming that Japanese fighter and support aircraft will deploy to Europe, that bilateral training exercises will continue under the Reciprocal Access Agreement, and that Japan and the UK would work to finalise the first Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) international contract before the end of 2025. The ministers further underlined shared opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, support for stability in the Taiwan Strait, condemnation of North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, and strong backing for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
The F-15J is a Japanese license-built version of the McDonnell Douglas F-15C/D Eagle, developed under the Peace Eagle programme. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was the main contractor, with other Japanese companies such as Kawasaki, Fuji, Sumitomo, IHI, and Mitsubishi Electric contributing components, including airframes, engines, avionics, and weapons systems. Japan procured a total of 213 aircraft between 1980 and 2000, consisting of 165 single-seat F-15Js and 48 two-seat F-15DJs. Initial batches were delivered directly from the United States, followed by knockdown assembly in Japan, and then full local production. The aircraft formally entered service in 1981, with units progressively transitioning from older F-104J/DJ Starfighters and F-4EJ Phantoms. The F-15J became Japan’s principal air superiority fighter and remains in frontline service today, distributed across seven operational squadrons and one training squadron.
The design of the F-15J closely follows that of the F-15C, but with modifications to avionics and electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is powered by two license-produced Pratt & Whitney F100-IHI-100 turbofan engines, with later models equipped with the improved F100-IHI-220E. It has a maximum speed exceeding Mach 2.5, a combat radius of around 1,900 kilometers, and a payload capacity supporting up to eight air-to-air missiles. Its standard armament has included AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-7 Sparrows, later supplemented by Japanese-built AAM-3, AAM-4, and AAM-5 missiles. A JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon provides internal gun armament. Differences from U.S. F-15s include Japanese-produced J/ALQ-8 electronic countermeasures, J/APR-4 radar warning receivers, and the J/ASW-10 datalink system. The aircraft were initially delivered as Pre-MSIP models, later supplemented by J-MSIP aircraft, which added MIL-STD-1553B databus integration, improved mission computers, modern radios, enhanced radar, and new electronic countermeasures.
Upgrades have progressively enhanced the fleet. The F-15J modernization included new radar warning receivers, missile launchers, countermeasures dispensers, and the J/APQ-1 rear warning system for later production batches. Under the Japan Multi-Stage Improvement Program (J-MSIP), improvements allowed compatibility with AAM-4 and AIM-120 medium-range missiles, as well as AAM-5 short-range missiles. The upgrades involved changes to launch rails, fire control sets, wiring, and cockpit displays. In 2019, the United States approved a Foreign Military Sale package worth $4.5 billion for the F-15JSI (Japanese Super Interceptor) upgrade, including AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, ADCP II mission computers, and AN/ALQ-239 digital electronic warfare systems. In 2022, Japan allocated 646.5 billion yen to upgrade 68 aircraft. These modifications included integration with Lockheed Martin AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles, extending the strike reach of the fleet to more than 900 kilometers. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Boeing are key contractors in delivering these upgrades, which are scheduled to carry through the late 2020s.
In service, the F-15J fleet has been stationed at key JASDF bases including Chitose, Komatsu, Nyutabaru, and Naha. Squadrons operating the aircraft include the 201st, 203rd, 204th, 303rd, 304th, 305th, and 306th, along with the 23rd Training Squadron and the Tactical Fighter Training Group. The aircraft have formed the backbone of Japan’s Quick Reaction Alert force, intercepting Russian and Chinese aircraft approaching Japanese airspace. Operational accidents have resulted in the loss of 13 aircraft since the 1980s, with roughly 200 aircraft remaining active as of 2025. Efforts to extend service life to beyond 8,000 flight hours per airframe are being considered, potentially reaching 18,000 hours as seen with U.S. F-15s. Additional programs have explored converting some F-15s into reconnaissance or electronic warfare roles, though many of these were cancelled or limited in scope. The aircraft continues to operate with high readiness rates and remains central to Japanese air defence.
The future of the F-15J is linked to Japan’s acquisition of F-35A and F-35B fighters and participation in the Global Combat Air Programme. Modernised F-15J+ aircraft will serve alongside stealth aircraft to ensure layered capabilities in air superiority, standoff strike, and interoperability with allies. The European deployment demonstrates that Japan is prepared to expand the operational use of its existing platforms beyond regional defence. It also underlines the broader integration of Japan into Euro-Atlantic security networks, in parallel with NATO cooperation, joint maritime deployments, cyber defence activities, and emerging collaboration in space and quantum technologies.
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On August 29, 2025, UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed that Japan will send its F-15J fighter jets to Europe for the first time in the coming weeks, with deployments planned for the United Kingdom as part of a new arrangement between Tokyo and London. Announced during a Defence Ministerial meeting in Tokyo with Japanese Defence Minister Nakatani Gen, this deployment marks the first occasion that Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) aircraft will operate in Europe, reflecting an expanded defence partnership that treats the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific as indivisible.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
Although closely related to the American F-15C/D, the F-15J family incorporates indigenous Japanese electronic warfare and warning systems and an indigenous tactical datalink that connects to ground-controlled intercept networks rather than the U.S. Link 16 architecture (Picture source: US DoD)
The deployment announcement coincided with the visit of the UK Carrier Strike Group to Japan as part of Operation Highmast and follows the first landing of British F-35B aircraft on the Japanese warship JS Kaga. The Japanese deployment to the UK has not been accompanied by details such as the exact number of aircraft or the duration of their stationing. However, Japanese officials have indicated that the aircraft could be showcased at bases in other European countries, with the deployments potentially linked to wider NATO initiatives aimed at reinforcing deterrence and stability.
This move aligns Japan with other Indo-Pacific partners already contributing to European security, such as Australia’s E-7A Wedgetail and New Zealand’s C-130J-30 flights. The ministerial meeting also produced a joint statement confirming that Japanese fighter and support aircraft will deploy to Europe, that bilateral training exercises will continue under the Reciprocal Access Agreement, and that Japan and the UK would work to finalise the first Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) international contract before the end of 2025. The ministers further underlined shared opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas, support for stability in the Taiwan Strait, condemnation of North Korea’s nuclear and missile activities, and strong backing for Ukraine against Russia’s invasion.
The F-15J is a Japanese license-built version of the McDonnell Douglas F-15C/D Eagle, developed under the Peace Eagle programme. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries was the main contractor, with other Japanese companies such as Kawasaki, Fuji, Sumitomo, IHI, and Mitsubishi Electric contributing components, including airframes, engines, avionics, and weapons systems. Japan procured a total of 213 aircraft between 1980 and 2000, consisting of 165 single-seat F-15Js and 48 two-seat F-15DJs. Initial batches were delivered directly from the United States, followed by knockdown assembly in Japan, and then full local production. The aircraft formally entered service in 1981, with units progressively transitioning from older F-104J/DJ Starfighters and F-4EJ Phantoms. The F-15J became Japan’s principal air superiority fighter and remains in frontline service today, distributed across seven operational squadrons and one training squadron.
The design of the F-15J closely follows that of the F-15C, but with modifications to avionics and electronic warfare systems. The aircraft is powered by two license-produced Pratt & Whitney F100-IHI-100 turbofan engines, with later models equipped with the improved F100-IHI-220E. It has a maximum speed exceeding Mach 2.5, a combat radius of around 1,900 kilometers, and a payload capacity supporting up to eight air-to-air missiles. Its standard armament has included AIM-9 Sidewinders and AIM-7 Sparrows, later supplemented by Japanese-built AAM-3, AAM-4, and AAM-5 missiles. A JM61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon provides internal gun armament. Differences from U.S. F-15s include Japanese-produced J/ALQ-8 electronic countermeasures, J/APR-4 radar warning receivers, and the J/ASW-10 datalink system. The aircraft were initially delivered as Pre-MSIP models, later supplemented by J-MSIP aircraft, which added MIL-STD-1553B databus integration, improved mission computers, modern radios, enhanced radar, and new electronic countermeasures.
Upgrades have progressively enhanced the fleet. The F-15J modernization included new radar warning receivers, missile launchers, countermeasures dispensers, and the J/APQ-1 rear warning system for later production batches. Under the Japan Multi-Stage Improvement Program (J-MSIP), improvements allowed compatibility with AAM-4 and AIM-120 medium-range missiles, as well as AAM-5 short-range missiles. The upgrades involved changes to launch rails, fire control sets, wiring, and cockpit displays. In 2019, the United States approved a Foreign Military Sale package worth $4.5 billion for the F-15JSI (Japanese Super Interceptor) upgrade, including AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, ADCP II mission computers, and AN/ALQ-239 digital electronic warfare systems. In 2022, Japan allocated 646.5 billion yen to upgrade 68 aircraft. These modifications included integration with Lockheed Martin AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles, extending the strike reach of the fleet to more than 900 kilometers. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Boeing are key contractors in delivering these upgrades, which are scheduled to carry through the late 2020s.
In service, the F-15J fleet has been stationed at key JASDF bases including Chitose, Komatsu, Nyutabaru, and Naha. Squadrons operating the aircraft include the 201st, 203rd, 204th, 303rd, 304th, 305th, and 306th, along with the 23rd Training Squadron and the Tactical Fighter Training Group. The aircraft have formed the backbone of Japan’s Quick Reaction Alert force, intercepting Russian and Chinese aircraft approaching Japanese airspace. Operational accidents have resulted in the loss of 13 aircraft since the 1980s, with roughly 200 aircraft remaining active as of 2025. Efforts to extend service life to beyond 8,000 flight hours per airframe are being considered, potentially reaching 18,000 hours as seen with U.S. F-15s. Additional programs have explored converting some F-15s into reconnaissance or electronic warfare roles, though many of these were cancelled or limited in scope. The aircraft continues to operate with high readiness rates and remains central to Japanese air defence.
The future of the F-15J is linked to Japan’s acquisition of F-35A and F-35B fighters and participation in the Global Combat Air Programme. Modernised F-15J+ aircraft will serve alongside stealth aircraft to ensure layered capabilities in air superiority, standoff strike, and interoperability with allies. The European deployment demonstrates that Japan is prepared to expand the operational use of its existing platforms beyond regional defence. It also underlines the broader integration of Japan into Euro-Atlantic security networks, in parallel with NATO cooperation, joint maritime deployments, cyber defence activities, and emerging collaboration in space and quantum technologies.
