Photo/Illutration An F-15 fighter jet (Captured from Air Self-Defense Force website)

Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced that F-15 fighter jets from the Air Self-Defense Force will fly to the other side of the world to demonstrate Japan’s commitment to deepened exchanges with like-minded nations.

He said the aircraft would visit the United States, Canada, Britain and Germany over roughly two weeks from Sept. 14.

ASDF fighter jets have never flown to Europe or Canada.

Normally, F-15 fighter jets fly in tandem. Because of the huge distances involved, four jets will be dispatched, along with four other aircraft, including a transport plane.

“Security in Europe, the Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is unified and inseparable, so the dispatch will demonstrate the common recognition that defense is interrelated,” Nakatani said.

According to Defense Ministry sources, there was talk of possible joint training while the fighter jets were away but the plan was abandoned due to concerns about exercises in unfamiliar territory, especially after such a long flight.

Gen. Hiroaki Uchikura, the top military officer as chief of staff of the Joint Staff Office, is a former ASDF pilot.

He said at a Sept. 4 news conference: “It is very stressful to fly to a country one has never flown to and to land at an airport never before visited. The preparations that are needed are beyond imagination, but if this is pulled off, it will be very meaningful.”

Japan has made a point of strengthening cooperation with NATO nations, partly to deal with military advances being made by China.

In August, the SDF for the first time provided cover for the weapons of a British aircraft carrier.

Britain and Germany have dispatched Eurofighter jets to Japan, so a Defense Ministry source said the dispatch of ASDF fighter jets was in a sense a return of courtesy.

A high-ranking ASDF officer said the deepening of defense exchanges with NATO members is symbolized by the approval given by Canada, Britain and Germany for the F-15s to fly over their airspace. Because of the high attack capability of the jets, nations normally do not welcome the aircraft over their territory.

Another Defense Ministry source said, “We can show to the international community, including China, the deeper ties between Japan and Europe.”

(This article was written by Taro Ono and Daisuke Yajima.)

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