Gallery: Japan Air Self-Defense Force Komatsu AB

The F-15J fighter is in use with eight squadrons stationed at four major bases, including the 303^rd Sqdn. at Komatsu AB.

Japan is in the process of upgrading the F-15J to the F-15UG standard. The package spans 68 aircraft and includes an RTX APG-82 active, electronically scanned array radar, Honeywell Advanced Display Core Processor II, BAE Systems’ Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (Epawss) and Lockheed Martin’s extended-range AGM-158B/B-2 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM-ER).

F-15Js are also used at Komatsu AB by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's aggressor Tactical Fighter Training Group, which continues to refine adversary tactics through equipment analysis and international engagement.

The aggressors already operate ALQ-131 jammers, and introducing the Epawss-equipped F-15UG should enhance the service’s ability to train realistically in electronic warfare scenarios.

The unit has trained with Indian Sukhoi Su-30s, which visited Hyakuri AB for an exercise in 2023, to study tactics and capabilities associated with the Russian-made system, which is similar to some of China’s aircraft.

The 303^rd Sqdn. have inducted the first three F-35As this year. Training between F-15UGs and F-35s will begin soon to ensure effective integration between the systems.

The 303^rd Sqdn. F-35As are the first in Japan to be fitted with the upgraded TR3 software.