Japanese fighter jets arrive in the UK for historic NATO cooperation mission

English Posted on  —by Carro e motos
Japanese F-15 fighters arrive in the UK on a historic NATO cooperation mission
Japanese F-15 fighters arrive in the UK on a historic NATO cooperation mission (X @JASDF_PAO)

Two F-15J fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force landed at RAF Coningsby in the United Kingdom on September 18, 2025, marking the first time Japanese combat aircraft have arrived in Europe.

The mission is part of Operation Atlantic Eagles and also includes KC-46 and KC-767 tanker aircraft, Kawasaki C-2 cargo planes, and about 180 military personnel. Their arrival attracted aviation enthusiasts, as Japanese aircraft are extremely rare in European skies.

The fighters, identified as “Jintei 1” and “Jintei 2,” arrived after stops in Alaska and Canada. Although initially expected to arrive with four F-15s, only two landed in Lincolnshire, with the others expected to follow soon.

During their stay, the Japanese crews will participate in cultural and cooperation activities with British military personnel, though no flights are planned in the country. After the UK stop, the aircraft will proceed to Laage Air Base in Germany.

The mission represents a milestone in strengthening cooperation between Japan and NATO countries, reinforcing presence and integration strategies in defense. According to Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, the operation symbolizes the inseparable link between Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic security. Additionally, the initiative complements Japan’s involvement in the international GCAP program, which is developing the next-generation fighter in partnership with the United Kingdom and Italy.

Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @JASDF_PAO | This content was created with AI assistance and reviewed by the editorial team

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