Japan will deploy F-15J fighters to Europe and the UK for the first time, marking a major step in defence cooperation between Tokyo and London, the UK Defence Journal understands.
The move was confirmed during a joint press conference by Defence Secretary John Healey and his Japanese counterpart, with both sides highlighting the growing operational ties between their air forces.
Healey stated that F-15s from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) will soon be stationed in the UK, accompanied by supporting transport aircraft, with plans for unit-to-unit exchanges alongside the RAF.
A joint statement issued after the meeting declared: “The Ministers acknowledged the strengthening relationship between the Royal Air Force (RAF) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), as demonstrated by their joint efforts during Operation HIGHMAST and interoperability efforts in preparation for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The Ministers welcomed the future deployment to Europe, including the UK, by Japanese fighter aircraft and supporting transport aircraft.”
The deployment coincides with the UK Carrier Strike Group’s visit to Japan as part of Operation Highmast, the Royal Navy’s ongoing Indo-Pacific mission. During the port call, British F-35B jets conducted their first landing on the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga, an event hailed as a milestone in UK–Japan military interoperability.
The two governments also reiterated their commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme, a trilateral effort with Italy to build a sixth-generation fighter aircraft. According to the statement, the aim is to conclude the first international contract between government and industry partners by the end of 2025, with the aircraft scheduled for delivery in 2035.
In addition to highlighting deepening defence ties, the joint communiqué specifically criticised China, North Korea, and Iran for their continuing support of Russia.
Hmm this new Anglo-Japanese alliance is proving very interesting
Unthinkable just a few years ago was the idea that the World would shrink so quickly. This can only strengthen military alliances against growing mutual threats. On another point raised, 2035 for the Tempest….has that ISD suddenly stretched a few years? My understanding was early 30s?
Hi maurice,
Yeh, I thought that date was slip to the right. Also it is not the ISD but the first deliveries so ISD in the late 2030’s..? They were talking about first deliveries in the early 30’s so it is not a huge slip and I think the early 30’s was a stretch target.
Much will depend on the stability of the requirements and how much gold leaf gets added onto the design. If they can keep requirements creep out of the program and the 2035 date is realistic then it should have a chance of hitting that target or at least getting close to it. It needs to come in on time, given Putin’s actions and China’s ambitions.
We will see.
The 2035 entry to service has been confirmed for more than two years by now, and possibly also prior to that (2023 is the earliest article I can find supporting the 2035 ETS).
We can expect GCAP to offer a less advanced capability compared to the American and Chinese designs, but that’s probably for the best. More conservative requirements benefit an accelerated timeline.
Good to see the developing relationship between the UK and Japan continue to grow and evolve. We have a lot in common as island nations sitting off continents dominated by conflict and confrontations which threaten the rules based world order that we both depend on for security and stable trading conditions.
The main difference is that Japan is a frontline state whereas we have a continent between us and Russia, with many forgetting that the Western Approaches of the North Atlantic will like be a major maritime battle ground with NATO trying to escort merchant ships in and out of Europe and CRINK navies trying to interdict them, not to mention the significant impact on our economies should the undersea infrastructure, such internet cables, power cables and gas lines, be attacked. So in reality we are also a frontline state and desperately need to be able to defend our sea lanes and airspace.
So yeh, we have a lot in common with Japan.
Cheers CR
Agreed.
I have a lot of time for Japan, it’s culture, and it’s people.
History repeats. UK and Japan had a military alliance 1902 -1923. May this current defence co-operation prosper.
A very good one too.