Japan plans deployment of fighter aircraft in UK

JASDF F-15J Eagles prepare for operations at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam in February 2024 during Exercise ‘Cope North 24'. JASDF F-15 units frequently participate in international deployments. (USAF/Senior Airman Tylir Meyer)

Japan is planning a deployment of Boeing (Mitsubishi) F-15 fighter aircraft in the United Kingdom as part of an effort to strengthen defence co-operation between the two countries.

Describing the planned deployment as the “first of its kind”, a Japan Ministry of Defense (MoD) spokesperson told Janes that the deployment is “expected to deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the UK, including at the unit level”.

“The deployment will also further advance defence co-operation and exchanges,” the spokesperson added.

According to Japan Minister of Defense Gen Nakatani, discussions about the possibility of sending Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) fighter aircraft to the UK were first held in January 2025.

During a Japan-UK Defense Ministerial Meeting with UK Secretary of State for Defence John Healey on 28 August 2025 at the Pacific Future Forum in Tokyo, both sides “welcomed the deployment of JASDF fighter aircraft to Europe, including the UK”, Nakatani said during a press conference on 29 August.

“To this end, we are currently co-ordinating and considering specific details with the UK side in order to realise this as soon as possible,” Nakatani added.

Timeframe

According to Healey, the Japanese deployment of aircraft to the UK will happen “in the coming weeks”. The Japan MoD, however, could not provide specifics on when the deployment could happen.

“We are currently advancing concrete co-ordination and discussions with the UK side including the matters being asked,” the MoD spokesperson said, adding that the ministry is “not yet at a stage where we can provide further details”.