Tokyo, September 1 - In a historic move marking a significant evolution in Japan’s defense posture, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will deploy its Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle fighter jets to the United Kingdom, marking the first-ever mission of Japanese Self-Defense Forces in Europe. Announced by Japan’s Ministry of Defense on August 28, 2025, this deployment signifies a deepening of military cooperation between Tokyo and London, two nations increasingly aligned in their strategic interests amid a complex global security environment. The F-15Js, operated by the 201st and 203rd Tactical Fighter Squadrons based at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaidō, are expected to arrive in the UK within weeks, supported by JASDF transport aircraft, likely Kawasaki C-2s, and possibly KC-46 or KC-767 refueling aircraft. This deployment follows a joint statement from UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Japanese Defense Minister Nakatani Gen, highlighting the strengthening relationship between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and JASDF, as demonstrated by recent joint operations and preparations for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The move underscores Japan’s shift from a strictly defensive posture to a more proactive role in international security, driven by regional tensions and a commitment to bolster alliances.
.gif)
The deployment is closely tied to the broader framework of UK-Japan defense collaboration, particularly through the GCAP, a trilateral initiative with Italy to develop a sixth-generation stealth fighter by 2035 to replace Japan’s Mitsubishi F-2 and the RAF’s Eurofighter Typhoon. This program, formalized in December 2023, reflects a shared commitment to advancing military technology and interoperability. The F-15J deployment to the UK, expected to involve joint training missions with the RAF at bases such as RAF Coningsby, builds on this partnership, allowing both air forces to share tactics and enhance coordination in European airspace. The JASDF’s F-15Js, a backbone of Japan’s air defense with over 200 delivered between 1980 and 2000, are undergoing upgrades to the F-15J+ standard, incorporating advanced systems like the AN/APG-82(v)1 radar and AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missiles, enhancing their air-to-ground and anti-ship capabilities. This modernization ensures compatibility with allied forces, making the deployment a practical step toward operational synergy.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the deployment carries strategic implications for regional and global security. Japan’s decision to send F-15Js to Europe, with a potential stop at Germany’s Laage Air Base, signals a response to growing concerns over Chinese and Russian aerial activities near Japanese airspace, which prompted 947 JASDF scrambles in 2019, 70% against Chinese aircraft. By engaging in European operations, Japan aims to contribute to NATO’s security efforts, reinforcing a rules-based international order amid tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The deployment reciprocates the RAF’s 2016 Typhoon mission to Japan and aligns with recent milestones, such as British F-35B jets landing on the Japanese carrier JS Kaga during Operation Highmast, a UK Carrier Strike Group mission in the Indo-Pacific. These exchanges highlight a mutual interest in countering threats from assertive powers and ensuring stability across regions.
This unprecedented mission also reflects Japan’s evolving defense policy, moving beyond its post-World War II pacifist constraints under Article 9 of its constitution, which limits military actions to self-defense. The deployment, supported by Japan’s 2024 relaxation of defense export rules, facilitates collaboration on advanced weaponry and platforms like the GCAP fighter. As Japan prepares to rename the JASDF to the Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force in 2027, emphasizing space operations, this mission underscores its ambition to play a larger role in global defense. The F-15J deployment to the UK not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions Japan as a key player in a networked alliance system, fostering interoperability and deterrence in an increasingly interconnected security landscape.