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10h ago

Japan’s F-15s Reach UK in First-Ever JASDF Fighter Deployment to Europe

The UK stop underscores a logistics-led outreach that prioritizes interoperability over local flying before the force continues to Germany.

JASDF F-15J “Jintei 2“ lands at RAF Coningsby. (Image credit: Glenn Lockett)
Kawasaki C-2 58-1218 basking in the evening sun at RAF Coningsby, UK. (Image credit: Glenn Lockett)

Overview

  • Two JASDF F-15J Eagles landed at RAF Coningsby on Sept. 18 using callsigns Jintei 1 and Jintei 2 with serials 22-8936 and 42-8946.
  • A Kawasaki C-2 transport arrived on Sept. 17 carrying personnel and ground support equipment, while refueling aircraft positioned at RAF Brize Norton.
  • The Atlantic Eagles mission fields four F-15Js and about 180 personnel supported by KC-46 and KC-767 tankers, two C-2 transports, and a commercial Omega KDC-10.
  • The fighters staged from Chitose through Eielson AFB in Alaska and CFB Goose Bay in Canada and are scheduled to proceed to Laage Air Base in Germany.
  • Reports indicate the F-15Js are unlikely to fly during the UK visit, reflecting deliberate risk management at unfamiliar bases and a focus on liaison activities first announced by UK Defence Secretary John Healey.