The Air Self-Defense Force has 12 combat squadrons equipped with fighters capable of solving air defense missions. These squadrons are operatively subordinate to the regional air command and are distributed approximately equally among them. For a country with an area of 377,944 km², Japan has a fairly impressive fleet of fighters. According to the reference data, excluding the obsolete F-4EJ Phantom II that have been removed from service to date, there were 308 jet fighters in the air self-defense force as of 2020. For comparison: in the Russian Far East, they can potentially be opposed by a little more than a hundred Su-27SM, Su-30M2, Su-35S and MiG-31BM stationed here on a permanent basis.
Current state of F-15J / DJ fighters and ways of their modernization
Currently, the main Japanese interceptor fighter is the F-15J. The two-seat version of the F-15DJ is mainly used for training purposes, but if necessary, the "spark" can be used as a full-fledged combat aircraft. For more details on Japanese F-15J / DJ fighters, see here: Japanese fighter-interceptors during the Cold War.
In 2020, the Air Defense Forces had 155 single-seat F-15Js and 45 two-seat F-15DJs. These fighters are armed with six aircraft wings, each of which has two squadrons.
2nd Air Wing, Chitose Air Base:
- 201st tactical fighter squadron;
- 203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron.
6th Air Wing, Komatsu Air Base:
- 303rd tactical fighter squadron;
- 306th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
5th Air Wing, Nuutabaru Air Base:
- 202nd Tactical Fighter Squadron;
- 305th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
9th Air Wing, Naha Air Base:
- 204th tactical fighter squadron;
- 304th Tactical Fighter Squadron.
In addition, the F-15J / DJ are in the 23rd Test and Training Wing Squadron, assigned to the Nuutabaru Air Base.
Although the Air Defense Forces' Eagles are not new (the latter was built by Heavy Industries in 1997), they are in very good technical condition and are regularly undergoing repairs and upgrades at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya.
Unlike the American F-15C / D, the Japanese F-15J / DJ do not have the equipment to exchange data in the Link 16 format, but all modern Japanese fighters involved in air defense missions are integrated into the Japanese JADGE automated control system. On the F-15J / DJ aircraft, instead of the American electronic warfare system AN / ALQ-135, the Japanese J / ALQ-8 is used, and instead of the original AN / ALR-56 radar warning receiver, the J / APR-4 is installed on the Japanese "Eagles".
The phased modernization of the F-15J / DJ fighters began in the late 1980s. The central computer, engines, and weapons control system have undergone improvements. The overhauled aircraft received a set of J / APQ-1 countermeasures.
In December 2004, in accordance with the new guidelines for the national defense program, the Japanese government approved a medium-term program for the modernization of the F-15J. As part of the phased improvement of the fighters in service, it was planned to install a new ejection seat, replace the F100-PW-220 engines with the improved F100-PW-220E (manufactured by the Japanese corporation IHI). The upgraded F-15J Kai fighter received a high-performance main computer processor, a more powerful power generator, avionics cooling systems and an improved AN / APG-63 (V) 1 radar (manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric under license). The armament includes a long-range air-to-air missile AAM-4, which is used instead of the American missile missile AMRAAM.
At the end of October 2019, it was possible to agree with the United States on the sale of AFAR APG-82 (v) radar to Japan, Advanced Display Core Processor II equipment and AN / ALQ-239 electronic warfare stations. In the future, a helmet-mounted target designation system and a new AAM-5 missile, which will replace the AAM-3 melee missile, should appear at the disposal of Japanese pilots. The upgraded F-15JSI fighter can carry AGM-158B JASSM-ER or AGM-158C LRASM air-to-surface missiles. Upgrade of 98 F-15J to F-15JSI is envisaged. The start of work is scheduled for 2022. The preliminary amount of the deal is $ 4.5 billion.
Initially, the Japanese government intended to exchange all of its F-15Js for 5th generation F-35A Lightning II fighters. However, given the fact that Lightning is not optimal for use as an interceptor, these plans were abandoned. It is expected that the Japanese "Eagles", which have a significant operational resource, after the end of the modernization program will be able to actively operate for another 15 years.
F-2A / B fighters
In the mid-1980s, the command of the Air Self-Defense Forces became concerned about the need to replace the not very successful F-1 fighter-bomber, created in the early 1970s by the Japanese company Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. In addition to solving strike missions, the new combat aircraft was supposed to be capable of conducting air combat with modern fighters and intercepting in the near zone.
One of the main contenders for the role of a light fighter in the Japanese Air Force was the American F-16C / D Fighting Falcon. However, by that time, Japan had become an economic superpower, and the top of the national corporations were no longer satisfied with the licensed production of a combat aircraft developed in another country. The level of development of the Japanese aircraft industry, achieved in the late 1980s, was quite sufficient for the design and construction of a fourth generation light fighter. But, based on the political situation and the desire to save money, it was decided to create a new fighter jointly with the United States.
During the construction of the "Japanese-American" light fighter, it was supposed to use the latest achievements of the Japanese industry in the field of composite materials, metallurgy, new metal processing technologies, displays, speech recognition systems, and radio-absorbing coatings.
On the Japanese side, the main contractors were Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Fuji Heavy Industries, on the American side - Lockheed Martin and General Dynamics.
The Japanese fighter, designated the F-2, has a lot in common with the American Fighting Falcon, but is certainly an independent design. The F-2 differs in the airframe design, materials used, on-board systems, radio electronics, weapons, and it is somewhat larger.
Compared to the F-16C, the design of the F-2 uses significantly more new composite materials, which ensured a reduction in the relative weight of the airframe. The design of the Japanese light fighter is technologically simpler and lighter. The F-2 wing is completely new, and its area is 25% larger than the F-16C wing. The sweep of the "Japanese" wing is slightly less than that of the American one; there are 5 suspension nodes under each console. An advanced General Electric F-110-GE-129 turbojet engine was chosen as the power plant. The F-2 fighter is almost entirely equipped with Japanese avionics (with partial use of American technology).
The first flight of the prototype took place on October 7, 1995. In total, 2 prototypes were made for ground tests and 4 in flight: two single and two double. In 1997, flight prototypes were handed over to the Air Defense Forces for trial operation. The decision on serial production was made in September 1996, deliveries of serial samples began in 2000.
In Japan, the F-2A / B are classified as generation 4+ fighters. It is believed that this production aircraft was the first in the world to receive an onboard radar station with an active phased antenna array.
The J / APG-1 radar was created by Mitsubishi Electric. Details of the characteristics of the station operating in the frequency range 8-12.5 GHz are not disclosed. It is known that its mass is 150 kg, the detection range of a target with an RCS of 5 m², flying with an excess, is 110 km, against the background of the surface - 70 km.
In 2009, the production of the improved J / APG-2 radar began. Simultaneously with the reduction in the mass of the radar, it was possible to increase the detection range and the number of simultaneously tracked targets. A transmitter of coded commands was added to the station, which made it possible to introduce into the armament of the modernized UR medium-range fighter AAM-4.
On aircraft built after 2004, a J / AAQ-2 container-type thermal imager can be installed, capable of detecting air targets in the front hemisphere. The avionics also include an integrated defense system J / ASQ-2, a data transmission system J / ASW-20 and equipment "friend or foe" AN / APX-113 (V).
The fighters were assembled at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries facility in Nagoya. A total of 58 F-2A and 36 F-2B were built from 2000 to 2010. The last ordered aircraft was delivered to the Air Defense Forces in September 2011.
In the Air Self-Defense Forces, F-2A / B fighters are in service with four fighter squadrons in three air wings:
- 7th Air Wing, Hayakuri Air Base;
- 3rd tactical fighter squadron;
- 4th Air Wing, Matsushima Air Base;
- 21st tactical fighter squadron;
- 8th Air Wing, Tsuiki Air Base;
- 6th tactical fighter squadron;
- 8th Squadron Fighter Tactical Squadron.
Several F-2A / B fighters are also available at the flight test center at Gifu airbase and at Hamamatsu airbase at the fighter pilot school.
The maximum takeoff weight of the F-2A is 22,100 kg, normal, with 4 short-range air-to-air missiles and with 4 medium-range missiles - 15,711 kg. Combat radius - 830 km. Ceiling - 18000 m. Maximum speed at high altitude - up to 2460 km / h, near the ground - 1300 km / h.
A licensed built-in 20-mm six-barreled cannon JM61A1, as well as the American AIM-7M Sparrow medium-range missiles, the AAM-4 Japanese medium-range missiles, and the AAM-3 and AAM-5 Japanese melee missiles, can be used against air targets.
F-2A / B fighters take part in ensuring airspace control and regularly rise to meet aircraft approaching the Japanese air defense system's area of responsibility. However, in the past few years, the intensity of flights of light Japanese fighters has decreased.
On March 11, 2011, 18 F-2A / B located at the Matsushima airbase were seriously damaged by the earthquake and tsunami. By March 2018, 13 aircraft were restored, and 5 fighters were decommissioned.
F-35A / B fighters
About 10 years ago, the Japanese government decided on a fighter that was supposed to replace the outdated F-4EJ. Quite predictably, it was the F-35A Lightning II. Prior to this, Japan had tried unsuccessfully to acquire a license to manufacture the F-22A Raptor.
Apparently, the Japanese F-35A are mainly focused on solving shock missions. "Lightning" with a maximum take-off weight of 29,000 kg, combat radius without refueling and PTB - 1080 km, capable of a speed of no more than 1930 km / h - is more suitable for this. Squadrons armed with the upgraded F-15J Kai and F-15JSI heavy fighters will intercept and gain air supremacy.
Although according to a number of criteria, the F-35A is difficult to consider as a 5th generation fighter, it is equipped with a fairly advanced avionics. The aircraft is equipped with a multifunctional AN / APG-81 AFAR radar, which is effective both for air and ground targets. The pilot has an AN / AAQ-37 electronic-optical system with a distributed aperture, consisting of sensors located on the fuselage, and a computing complex for information processing. EOS allows you to timely warn of an aircraft missile attack, detect the positions of air defense missile systems and anti-aircraft artillery, launch an air-to-air missile at a target flying behind the aircraft.
Omnidirectional infrared CCD-TV camera of high resolution AAQ-40 provides capture and tracking of any ground, surface and air targets without turning on the radar. It is capable of detecting and tracking targets in automatic mode and at a great distance, as well as fixing laser irradiation of an aircraft. The AN / ASQ-239 jamming station in an automated mode counteracts various threats: air defense systems, ground and ship radars, as well as fighter airborne radars.
In December 2011, a $ 10 billion contract was signed for the supply of 42 F-35A fighters. The first four F-35As were built by Lockheed Martin at its Fort Worth, Texas facility. The lead aircraft of this batch was handed over to the Japanese side on September 23, 2016.
The remaining 38 F-35As are to be assembled at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Nagoya. The rollout of the first serial Japanese fighter of the 5th generation, assembled in Japan, took place on June 5, 2017.
As of the end of 2020, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Forces received 18 F-35A aircraft, one of which (the first Japanese-assembled aircraft) crashed on April 9, 2019.
F-35A fighters are to replace the decommissioned F-4EJ Kai in the 301st and 302nd tactical fighter squadrons. When re-equipping the F-35A, both squadrons are transferred from the 7th wing in Hyakuri to the 3rd wing in Misawa.
On July 9, 2020, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified the US Congress of the upcoming sale to Japan of 105 5th generation F-35 Lightning II fighters - including 63 F-35A fighters and 42 short takeoff and vertical landing of the F-35B. This shipment has been approved by the US Department of State. The total cost of the proposed delivery will amount to $ 23.11 billion. The contract price includes training and technical support packages. Armament will be paid separately.
F-35BJ fighters (specially modified in accordance with Japanese requirements) should be part of the 22DDH / 24DDH project destroyer-helicopter wings (Izumo and Kaga). With the existing size of aircraft hangars EV projects 22 / 24DDH, they can accommodate 10 F-35BJ fighters.
The maximum take-off weight of the F-35BJ is 27.2 tons. Depending on the ratio of the mass of fuel and ammunition, the deck F-35BJs have a minimum combat radius of 830 km and a maximum one of 1110 km. When performing air defense missions, the fighter is equipped with four AIM-120C missiles and two AIM-9X missiles. With such weapons, the aircraft has a maximum combat radius.
Aviation experts believe that the F-35BJ carrier-based fighters, thanks to their powerful radar stations, will be able to search for air targets and, after their classification, transmit data in real time via digital encrypted communication channels of the MADL type to air defense command posts equipped with JADGE ACS elements.
Air-to-air missiles used in the armament of Japanese fighters
In the first phase, Japanese fighters carried American-made missiles. F-86F and F-104J fighters were equipped with melee missiles with IR seeker AIM-9В / E Sidewinder, UR AIM-9Р were part of the F-4J armament. Currently, the UR AIM-9B / E / R are not used. F-4EJ Kai and F-15J fighters were armed with AIM-9L / M missiles. Since 1961, 4,541 AIM-9 have been delivered to Japan.
Medium-range missiles with semi-active radar guidance AIM-7E Sparrow arrived together with the Phantoms. Subsequently, they were replaced by the UR AIM-7F, the AIM-7M was part of the armament of the Japanese "Eagles", but now they are almost completely replaced by Japanese-made missiles. In total, the Air Self-Defense Forces received 3,098 AIM-7 missiles of all modifications.
The first air combat missile created in Japan was the AAM-3, more than 1,930 units of these missiles were fired (more details here: Japanese fighter-interceptors during the Cold War). To date, an improved version of the AAM-3 missile has almost completely replaced the American AIM-9L / M missiles on the Japanese Eagles.
In 1985, Mitsubishi Electric began developing a long-range air-to-air missile. Work in this direction started after the Japanese government decided to hedge against the US refusal to export the AIM-120 AMRAAM SD. Tests of the new missile began in 1994, and in 1999 it was put into service under the designation AAM-4.
Shortly before the decision on the bulk purchases of the AAM-4 missile was made, a small batch of AIM-120 AMRAAM of modifications B and C-5 was received from the United States, which were tested on several F-15J / DJ fighters belonging to the Training Corps. However, according to the results of testing, preference was given to the Japanese AAM-4 rocket.
The mass of the UR AAM-4 ready for use is 220 kg. Diameter - 203 mm. Length - 3667 mm. The maximum speed is 1550 m / s. The firing range is not disclosed, but, according to foreign experts, it is more than 100 km. The missile uses a combined guidance system: at the initial stage - software, at the middle - radio command, at the final - active radar homing. The missile is equipped with a directional warhead. Compared to the American AIM-120 AMRAAM: the capabilities of hitting targets with low RCS at low altitudes have been expanded.
These missiles could only be used on F-15J Kai fighters. The tests revealed that the computing power of the on-board computer of the not modernized F-15J fighter is not enough for confident control of the missile in radio command mode in the middle segment of the trajectory.
In 2009, the improved AAM-4V missile entered service. This modification is equipped with a seeker with AFAR and a new processor with an improved target selection function. The use of more energy-consuming solid fuel made it possible to increase the firing range. According to information published in the Japanese media, when attacking a target on a head-on course, the firing distance is approximately 30% higher than that of the American AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM.
At the moment, the Air Self-Defense Forces have delivered 440 AAM-4 missiles of all modifications. In addition, an order was issued for another 200 AAM-4V missiles. These missiles will be used to arm the upgraded F-2A / B and F-15JSI fighters.
In 2004, Mitsubishi Electric began practical work on the creation of a new melee missile defense system. If the Japanese AAM-3 missile of the previous generation was built based on the American AIM-9 missile, the new AAM-5 was designed from scratch.
AAM-5 tests were carried out from September 2015 to June 2016.
The purchase of the first batch of 110 missiles took place in 2017. At present, an order has been placed for the purchase of another 400 AAM-5 missiles. The delivery is due to be completed in 2023.
According to various sources, the mass of the UR AAM-5 is 86–95 kg. Diameter - 126 mm. Length - 2860 mm. The maximum firing range is 35 km. The maximum speed is over 1000 m / s. The missile is equipped with a non-contact laser fuse.
Compared to the previous generation AAM-3 missile: the new AAM-5 melee missile has significantly greater capabilities to engage highly maneuverable air targets in a difficult jamming environment. The NEC IR / UV Combination Homing Head has large viewing angles and can select targets in high heat trap environments. Due to the presence of a radio command control line, it is possible to fire at visually unobservable targets, the target capture of the seeker in this case occurs after the launch. It is reported that the AAM-5 missile is significantly superior in maneuverability to the American AIM-9X, but the cost of the Japanese missile is about twice as high.
On October 25, 2015, an improved AAM-5V missile was demonstrated at the Gifu airbase. The picture shows that the length of this missile launcher is increased in comparison with the first modification, but no details are given.
Japan independently produces the entire line of air-to-air missiles used on the F-2A / B and F-15J / DJ fighters. However, in connection with the purchase of F-35A fighters, she was forced to purchase an AIM-9X-2 (AIM-9X Block II) close-combat missile and medium-range missiles with an active radar seeker AIM-120C-7.
This is due to the fact that the avionics of the 5th generation American fighter and its hardpoints are not compatible with Japanese-made missiles. However, information leaked to the media that Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is currently working on adapting Japanese-made missiles with F-35A fighters, which are assembled at an enterprise in Nagoya.
