Japan redeploys fighter jets to counter China.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced it will redeploy fighter jets belonging to the Air Self-Defense Force.
To counter the increased activity of Chinese aircraft and ships in the East China Sea, where both countries claim sovereignty, Japan will transfer two squadrons of F15 fighter jets from Tsuiki Air Base in Fukuoka Prefecture to Naha Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture.
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| A Japanese F15 fighter jet. (Source: AP) |
Instead, Tsuiki Air Base will receive several additional F2 fighter jets capable of attacking surface ships, transferred from Misawa Air Base in Aoimori Prefecture.
To date, the F15 has been Japan's primary aircraft involved in interception and surveillance operations targeting Chinese aircraft in the East China Sea. The increased deployment of fighter jets in southwestern regions aims to enhance the Japanese Self-Defense Forces' combat capabilities and protect its maritime territories.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force also plans to deploy advanced F35 fighter jets at Misawa Air Base starting in 2017.
Naha is a military base included in the key reorganization program of Japan's five-year defense plan, approved in 2013. According to this plan, military forces in southwestern regions such as Kiushu and Okinawa will be strengthened.
Currently, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has approximately 200 F15 fighter jets, 90 F2s, 60 F4s, and is planning to purchase F35s. The F2s are equipped with JDAM high-precision guided missiles, making them highly capable of attacking surface ships and ground targets.
Previously, Tsuiki Air Base was home to squadrons of F15 and F2 aircraft. Since 2003, the F15 squadrons have been transferred to Naha Air Base, but two additional F2 squadrons will be added due to the base's advantageous location and ability to provide defense for the small islands in southwestern Japan.
Japan is expected to purchase at least 42 advanced F35 fighter jets. Under this plan, Misawa will be equipped with many F35s, as it is a shared base between the US military and the Japan Self-Defense Forces, facilitating joint training.
According to VNA
