Japan completed its first-ever fighter jet deployment to Canada and Europe on Wednesday in an unprecedented display of support for NATO partner countries as well as a demonstration of the Air Self-Defense Force’s long-distance operational capabilities amid growing concerns over the international security situation.
Named “Atlantic Eagles,” the mission involved four F-15Js from Chitose Air Base, accompanied by two refueling and two transport aircraft from various bases across Japan. The contingent, which also included 180 personnel, first landed at the U.S. Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. From there, they proceeded to Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay in Canada, RAF Coningsby and RAF Brize Norton in England, and Laage Air Base in Germany.
The ASDF said the Sept. 14 to Oct. 1 deployment was meant to deepen cooperation and exchanges with fighter squadrons from partner countries in North America and Europe. But experts such as Sebastian Maslow, an associate professor at the University of Tokyo, go further, arguing that the move also highlights the growing momentum of Japan’s security cooperation with NATO partners as Tokyo appears increasingly willing to take on a more proactive role in international security affairs.
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