F-15J Fighter Jet: What You Need to Know
If you’ve heard the name F-15J, you probably know it’s a Japanese fighter. It’s not just a plane – it’s a key part of Japan’s air defense. In simple terms, the F‑15J is a single‑engine, twin‑wing jet built by Mitsubishi under licence from the U.S. It first flew in the early 80s and has been upgraded many times since.
Core specs that matter
The F‑15J can go faster than Mach 2.5, which means over 2,600 km/h. It carries a mix of air‑to‑air missiles like the AIM‑120 AMRAAM and domestic IRIS‑T missiles. The radar is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) system that helps pilots spot targets from far away. Inside, the cockpit is digital, with a heads‑up display that keeps the pilot’s eyes on the sky.
Fuel capacity gives it a solid range for patrol missions – around 2,600 km without refuelling. That lets the Japan Air Self‑Defense Force (JASDF) keep an eye on its airspace and respond quickly to any incursion.
Recent upgrades and future plans
Japan isn’t sitting still. The latest block upgrade, called “F‑15J/DJ 4th generation,” adds a new radar, upgraded electronic warfare suite, and a modernised engine that saves fuel. The jet can also carry newer missiles like the AIM‑9X Sidewinder for close combat.
Looking ahead, the JASDF is planning to replace older F‑15s with the upcoming F‑35A while keeping the F‑15J for air‑to‑air roles. That mix gives Japan a layered defense – the stealthy F‑35 for strike missions and the proven F‑15J for high‑speed interception.
Why does all this matter to you? If you follow military aviation, the F‑15J shows how older designs can stay relevant with smart upgrades. It also highlights Japan’s push for domestic tech while still using proven foreign platforms.
For enthusiasts, keeping an eye on the F‑15J means watching test flights, air shows, and JASDF announcements. Those events often reveal the next tweak or new weapon that will keep the jet competitive.
In short, the F‑15J is a fast, well‑armed fighter that’s still a workhorse for Japan. Its upgrades keep it modern, and its future will likely involve sharing the sky with newer stealth jets. Stay tuned for the next round of news – whether it’s a new radar package or a joint exercise with allies, the F‑15J will keep showing up in the headlines.
F-15J jets land in UK for the first time, marking Japan’s debut combat deployment to Europe
Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force has flown F-15J fighters to the UK for the first time, a historic debut for Japanese combat aircraft in Europe. The “Atlantic Eagles” mission highlights closer Japan-UK defense ties and deeper Indo-Pacific–Euro-Atlantic cooperation. The jets launched from Hokkaido, with tanker and transport support, and will continue to Germany after training in Britain.