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7h ago

Japan Confirms First-Ever F-15J Deployment to the UK in the Coming Weeks

The move showcases growing RAF–JASDF interoperability linked to a push to secure the first GCAP contract by late 2025.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J Eagles. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Melany Bermudez) Inset: British and Japanese flags are waved as HMS Prince of Wales arrives in Japan. (Crown Copyright)
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Overview

  • UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced the deployment on Aug. 29 in Tokyo alongside Japan’s defence minister.
  • A joint statement said Japanese fighter aircraft will deploy to Europe, including the UK, with supporting transport aircraft.
  • Healey signaled arrival within weeks, and reporting points to jets from Chitose’s 201st and 203rd squadrons operating likely from RAF Coningsby with a possible visit to Germany.
  • The announcement follows a recent milestone in Operation Highmast, when UK F-35Bs flew from the Japanese carrier JS Kaga for the first time.
  • Both governments reaffirmed their commitment to GCAP, aiming to conclude the first international contract between GIGO and Edgewing by the end of 2025 to advance toward a 2035 in-service target.