It’s official. The Japanese air force plans to add an anti-ship capability to its fleet of F-15Js as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the three-decade-old fighters. It’s no secret why. As the Chinese navy adds powerful new ships, the Japanese air force adds powerful new ship-sinking weapons. But pity the poor F-15J pilots, who are already some of the busiest combat aviators in the world—and now must add anti-ship training to their schedule.
Japan acquired 213 F-15s starting in 1980. The J-model is nearly identical to the U.S. Air Force’s C-model F-15, with the exception of uniquely Japanese electronic-warfare gear, data-links and air-to-air missiles.
The F-15s, operated by seven front-line squadrons at four air bases, are Japan’s main interceptors. The F-2 and F-35 fighters are multi-role aircraft...MORE
