German and Japanese warplanes fly together in joint exercise

From July 22 to 25, three German Eurofighters and one German A400M transport aircraft participated in the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) exercise Nippon Skies, “reinforcing partner relations and interoperability between both air forces”, according to a press release from NATO.

The Nippon Skies exercise is part of the 2024 Pacific Skies deployment, which sees the German Air Force engaging in a series of drills with air forces in Japan, India, and Australia.

These exercises aim to enhance tactical skills and promote mutual understanding, reflecting the expanding defence ties between Tokyo and key European partners, particularly NATO members.

“We are pleased to return to our friends in Japan and to expand our relationship built on mutual trust,” said Lieutenant Colonel Matthias Boehnke, German Air Force spokesperson during the Pacific Skies deployment, quoted in the press release. “The solid military partnership between the two air forces allows us to further enhance interoperability and respect.”

The drills took place in the airspace around Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido. The German Eurofighters arrived in Japan following their participation in exercise Arctic Defender in Alaska, covering 5,000 kilometres in a seven-hour deployment flight.

This is the second time the German Air Force has deployed to Japan, building on relations established during their first visit in September 2022.

During the exercise, a formation of six JASDF F-15s flew alongside the German Eurofighters, highlighting the cooperation between the two forces. Additionally, the exercise included combined refuelling operations with an A330 MRTT refuelling aircraft from the Multinational MRTT Unit, demonstrating advanced logistical coordination.

Japan is a NATO Partner in the Indo-Pacific region, and while the German participation in Nippon Skies is a bilateral activity, it underscores the broader NATO-Japan collaboration. NATO and Japan work together on a range of security challenges, including cyber defence, new technologies, and maritime security.

This partnership,s ay the Alliance, aims to enhance political dialogue and practical cooperation to uphold and strengthen the rules-based international order.