Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)
USAF B-52Hs pay historic visit to South Korea
A routine Bomber Task Force (BTF) mission by a pair of B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers from the USAF’s 2nd Bomb Wing (BW) provided the backdrop for a historic visit by one of the aircraft to South Korea, marking the first time the veteran ‘BUFF’ had landed in the nation for years
Japanese F-35As mark first overseas deployment for Australian exercise
Four F-35A Lightning IIs from the 3rd Air Wing departed Misawa Air Base – the unit’s home base – for Australia on August 25 to participate in the two-week Exercise Bushido Guardian 2023, marking the first overseas deployment for the type in operational Japan Air Self-Defense Force service
Japanese F-15J marks 100 years of the Italian Air Force
As part of preparations being made for welcoming a detachment of Italian F-35A Lightning IIs to Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force painted one of its F-15J Eagles in special markings to commemorate the centenary of the Italian Air Force
Kadena aces dispersed ops during Northern Edge 23-2
Exercise Northern Edge 23-2, which was held from July 2-21, gave US forces an opportunity to practise and rehearse Agile Combat Employment capabilities from dispersed locations, and to integrate with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, French Air and Space Force and other allies and partner nations
Australian KC-30A conducts refuelling trials with JASDF F-15Js
The Royal Australian Air Force has completed air-to-air refuelling trials with Boeing F-15J/DJ Eagle fighters from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force for the first time
Japan set to receive first F-35B Lightning IIs in 2025
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is to receive its first short take-off and vertical landing-configured F-35B Lightning II from Lockheed Martin in 2025
Japan to send aircraft for Exercise Air Defender 2023
The German Ministry of Defence has confirmed that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is taking part in Exercise Air Defender 23 later this year
US approves sale of additional E-2D Advanced Hawkeyes to Japan
US State Department approval has been granted for the possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of a further five Northrop Grumman E-2D Advanced Hawkeye airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft and related equipment to Japan for an estimated cost of $1.381bn
India deploys Su-30MKIs to Japan for inaugural air combat exercise
In a bid to promote bilateral air defence cooperation between the two countries, the Indian Air Force has deployed four Sukhoi Su-30MKI Flanker-H fighters to Hyakuri Air Base in Japan to participate in the inaugural joint air exercise: Veer Guardian 2023
Japan orders two more KC-46As
Boeing has been awarded a Foreign Military Sales contract to deliver two additional KC-46A Pegasus aerial refuelling tankers to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, bringing the total now on contract for Japan to six