On approach to its home base of Iwakuni, this is the first Lockheed EP-3D Orion delivered to the JMSDF. A total of five of this ECM variant of the Orion have been ordered for service with the 81st Kokutai.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Lockheed EP-3 - СШАUSA - 1969

A pair of F-15Js of the 5th Kokudan, based at Hyakuri. F-15s form the backbone of the JASDF and are built under licence by Mitsubishi. Note the fin-tip fairings housing indigenous ECM systems.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-15A/C Eagle - СШАUSA - 1972

Symbol of Japanese-American co-operation in defence of the archipelago is this formation with F-1s from the 3rd Hikotai and F-16s from the 432nd FW, both operating Misawa.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: General Dynamics F-16A/C/E Fighting Falcon - СШАUSA - 1974Mitsubishi F-1 - ЯпонияJapan - 1975

One of the E-2C Hawkeyes assigned to the 601st Hikotai for AEW duties. The volume of air space patrolled by the JASDF has led to calls for a larger, longer-range AEW aircraft.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman E-2 Hawkeye - СШАUSA - 1960

Первый прототип истребителя FS-X (сер. № 63-0001)
Prototype FS-X 63-0001 which made its maiden flight on October 7, 1995

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi FS-X / F-2 - ЯпонияJapan - 1995

The Sikorsky-Mitsubishi HSS-2B Sea King is the most numerous type of helicopter in the JMSDF; 8112 is operated by the 211th Kokutai at Kanoya.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky H-3 / S-61 Sea King - СШАUSA - 1959

Spearhead of the JGSDF aviation element is the Bell-Fuji AH-1S Cobra attack helicopter and is assigned to five flying units. AH-1S 73417 seen taking-off from Yao belongs to the 5th Attack Helicopter Squadron.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell AH-1 HueyCobra / Model 209 - СШАUSA - 1965

Aggressor F-15s wear a variety of colour schemes - F-15DJ 02-8071 has green and brown camouflage over the normal air defence grey. The Aggressor unit forms part of the 5th Kokudan.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-15B/D Eagle - СШАUSA - 1972

Sporting a brown and two-tone green camouflage, the ‘Woody Woodpecker’ badge on the fin of RF-4E 47-6903 denotes that the aircraft is on the strength of the 501st Hikotai.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas RF-4 Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1964

Japan’s ‘Blue Impulse’ display team flew the Mitsubishi T-2 advanced trainer until 1995. T-2s serve with two flying training squadrons, the aerobatic team being on the strength of the 21st Hikotai - it will transition to the Kawasaki T-4 in 1996.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi T-2 - ЯпонияJapan - 1971

Bearing a close resemblance to the Sepecat Jaguar, the Mitsubishi F-1 was derived from the indigenous T-2 trainer. These two aircraft are on the strength of the 6th Hikotai, Tsuiki.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi F-1 - ЯпонияJapan - 1975

Seen taxiing at Komatsu is the only EC-1, operated by the Denshi Shientai. For its EW training role the aircraft is equipped with the indigenous TRDI/Mitsubishi XJ/ALQ-5 ECM system

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Kawasaki C-1 - ЯпонияJapan - 1970

Shin Meiwa US-1A 9084 of the 71st Kokutai just about to take to the water for take-off. Initially conceived for the ASW role (as the PS-1), the aircraft are now used for SAR missions.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Shin Meiwa PS-1 / US-1 - ЯпонияJapan - 1967

One of the few Fuji T-1As still operated by the Air Proving Wing at Gifu. The indigenous T-1 has now been virtually replaced in the training role by the Kawasaki T-4.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fuji T1F / T-1 Hatsutaka - ЯпонияJapan - 1958

Plethora of fuselage-mounted antennae clearly identify this YS-11 as one of the aircraft modified for EW missions. Two aircraft were converted for ECM training and designated YS-11E

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: NAMC YS-11 - ЯпонияJapan - 1962

Sikorsky-Mitsubishi SH-60J 8230 assigned to the 123rd Kokutai, Oomura for ASW duties. A planned fleet of around 80 to 90 SH-60Js is scheduled to replace the HSS-2B Sea Kings currently in service.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sikorsky SH-60 Sea Hawk / S-70B - СШАUSA - 1979

Mitsubishi LR-1, JG-2007, is operated by the Middle Aviation Squadron for liaison and transport duties and is seen here taxiing at its home base of Yao.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi MU-2 - ЯпонияJapan - 1963

On the ramp at Naha this F-4EJ Kai of the 302nd Hikotai is armed with a LAU-3 rocket pod.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: McDonnell Douglas F-4E / F-4F Phantom II - СШАUSA - 1965

This immaculate Boeing 747-47C, 20-1102, is one of two operated by the newly-formed 701st Tokubetsu Yuso Kokutai.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing Boeing 747-400 - СШАUSA - 1988