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Japan Air Self Defense Force

Latest in Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan's ugly EC-2 surveillance aircraft.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan’s EC-2 Electronic Warfare Jet, Arguably The World’s Ugliest Aircraft, Just Flew For The First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Updated on Mar 17, 2026

Japan and South Korea scrambled jets to respond to a joint Russian-Chinese bomber patrol.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Joint Chinese-Russian Bomber Patrol Sends Japanese, South Korean Fighters Scrambling

By Howard Altman

Posted on Dec 9, 2025

Japan's plans to place SAMS on an island near Taiwan has China outraged.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan’s Plan To Put SAMs On Strategic Island 70 Miles From Taiwan Could Be Just The Beginning

By Howard Altman, Tyler Rogoway

Posted on Nov 26, 2025

Boeing’s F-47 sixth-generation stealth fighter has been pitched to Japan by U.S. President Donald Trump, according to reports. The idea of an export-configured F-47 was brought up by Trump when he announced Boeing’s win in the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) manned combat jet initiative. Meanwhile, Japan is apparently also looking at increasing its buy of F-35 fifth-generation stealth fighters, prompted by concerns over the timeline for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a sixth-generation combat jet being pursued jointly by Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Trump Offers F-47 Sixth-Gen Fighter To Japan: Reports

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 30, 2025

A U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle conducts combat patrols over the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility Oct. 20, 2024. The F-15E is deployed within the USCENTCOM AOR to help defend U.S. interests, promote regional security, and deter aggression in the region.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

F-15’s New EPAWSS Electronic Warfare Suite Already Has Successor In Development

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 5, 2025

Japan reports that a Chinese Y-9Z surveillance aircraft violated its airspace in what it says is the first time such an incident has taken place.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Chinese Electronic Intelligence Plane Makes Unprecedented Incursion Into Japanese Airspace

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 26, 2024

Naha Air Base temporarily moves its F-15s in light of a tsunami warning
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan’s Tsunami-Fleeing F-15s Took To The Road

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Apr 5, 2024

Japan Wants T-7 Red Hawk As Its Next Trainer: Report
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan Wants T-7 Red Hawk As Its Next Trainer: Report

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Mar 26, 2024

The grounding of all US military V-22 Ospreys following a crash in November 2023 has been lifted.
Japan Air Self Defense Force

V-22 Osprey Finally Cleared To Fly After Three Month Grounding

By Joseph Trevithick

Posted on Mar 8, 2024

F-15J intake maneuvering demonstration
Japan Air Self Defense Force

F-15’s Tilting Air Intakes Showcased In Awesome Video

By Oliver Parken

Posted on Nov 4, 2023

JASDF_C-2 airdrop demonstration
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan Eyes Turning C-2 Cargo Jets Into Standoff Missile Carriers

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Aug 7, 2023

WZ-7 Soaring Dragon China
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japanese Fighters Intercept China’s High-Flying WZ-7 Drone For First Time

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Jan 2, 2023

Japan Air Self-Defense Force's RQ-4B takes maiden flight
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan Flies Its RQ-4 Global Hawk For The First Time

By Emma Helfrich

Posted on Dec 22, 2022

JASDF_F-15J_MAVERICK
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Japan Unveils Top Gun 2 Themed F-15 Eagle

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Sep 2, 2022

Japan F-3 fighter
Japan Air Self Defense Force

Did America Just Miss Its Chance To Help Build Japan’s Future Fighter?

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on May 17, 2022

United Kingdom Details Plans To Build Future Fighter Jet Engine With Japan
Japan Air Self Defense Force

United Kingdom Details Plans To Build Future Fighter Jet Engine With Japan

By Thomas Newdick

Posted on Dec 22, 2021