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4h ago

Japan to Send F-15J Fighters to the UK as London and Tokyo Tighten Defense Ties

The deployment supports closer RAF–JASDF training as both governments push to seal GCAP’s first contract by the end of 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)

Overview

  • UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed on Aug. 29 that JASDF F-15Js will arrive in Europe, including the UK, in the coming weeks following a joint statement with Japan’s defence minister.
  • The ministers said Japanese fighter and support transport aircraft will deploy for interoperability work linked to Operation Highmast and preparations for the Global Combat Air Programme.
  • Both sides reaffirmed plans to accelerate GCAP, aiming for an initial contract between the GIGO authority and industry JV Edgewing by late 2025, with a 2035 delivery target.
  • Recent cooperation milestones included the first flights by British F-35Bs from Japan’s carrier JS Kaga during the UK Carrier Strike Group visit to Japan.
  • Reporting indicates the detachment is expected to operate from RAF Coningsby with JASDF C-2 transports and possibly tankers, with squadron sourcing and dates still unconfirmed.