Our team has travelled to Japan on several occasions to explore and document the country’s dynamic military aviation scene. From the high-speed fighters of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) to the powerful maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), and the versatile helicopter assets of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF), Japan’s skies and bases offer a captivating mix of technology, tradition, and precision.
Over multiple tours, we’ve visited a range of bases and airfields across the country, each with its own distinct character and operational focus. Every location reveals a different aspect of Japan’s defence, the seamless cooperation among its air, naval, and ground branches, and its close partnership with U.S. forces stationed throughout the region.
This feature showcases not only the wide variety of aircraft we’ve photographed, from F-15J Eagles and F-35A Lightning IIs to Kawasaki C-2 transports, SH-60K Seahawks, and CH-47 Chinooks, but also the stories and experiences behind each shot. We aim to capture the dedication, discipline, and unique aviation culture that make Japan one of the most fascinating destinations in the world for military aviation photography.
Hyakuri Air Base – RJAH
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantom II | 301 Hikotai 302 Hikotai |   |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | McDonnell Douglas RF-4EJ Phantom II | 501Hikotai |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-4 | 301 Hikotai 302 Hikotai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | British Aerospace U-125A | Hyakuri Kyunantai |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi UH-60J | Hyakuri Kyunantai | |
Komatsu Air Base – RJNK
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi F-15J Eagle Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle | 303 Hikotai 306 Hikotai |   |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi F-15DJ Eagle | Aggressor Group |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-4 | 303 Hikotai 306 Hikotai Aggressor Group | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | British Aerospace U-125A | Komatsu Kyunantai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi UH-60J | Komatsu Kyunantai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki CH-47J Chinook | Komatsu Kyunantai | |
Iruma Air Base – RJTJ
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki C-1 | 402 Hikotai |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki C-2 | 402 Hikotai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Gulfstream U-4 | 402 Hikotai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki EC-1 | Denshi Hiko Sokuteitai |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki YS-11EA | Denshisen Shientai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki YS-11EB | Denshi Hiko Sokuteitai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-4 | Chubu Shireibu Shien Hikotai 31 Kyoiku Hikotai |   |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki CH-47J Chinook | Iruma Herikoputa K-yutai | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | British Aerospace U-125A | Flight Check Squadron |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki YS-11EF | Flight Check Squadron |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-400 | 41 Kyoiku Hikotai |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-7 | 1 Hikotai |  |
Gifu Air Base – RJNG
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi F-2A/B | Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan |  |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Phantom II | Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan | |
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki T-4 | Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan | |
Nagoya Air Base – RJNA
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Air Self-Defence Force | C-130H Hercules KC-130H Hercules | 401 Hikotai |  |
Naval Air Facility Atsugi – RJTA
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki P-1 | 511 Hikotai |  |
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | Lockheed P-3C Orion Kawasaki OP-3C | 811 Hikotai 511 Hikotai |  |
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | C-130H Hercules C-130R Hercules | 611 Hikotai |  |
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi USH-60K | 513 Hikotai |  |
| Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force | Mitsubishi LC-90 | 611 Hikotai | |
| United States Navy | Boeing C-40A Clipper | VR-56 |  |
| United States Navy | Lockheed Martin C-130T Hercules | VR-64 |  |
| United States Navy | Beechcraft UC-12F Huron | Base Flight |  |
| United States Navy | Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk | HSC-12 |  |
| United States Navy | Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk | HSM-51 |  |
| United States Navy | Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk | HSM-77 |  |
Kasumigaura – RJAK
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Ground Self-Defence Force | Kawasaki CH-47J Chinook | Kasumigaura Kou |  |
| Japan Ground Self-Defence Force | Fuji UH-1J | Kasumigaura Kou | |
| Japan Ground Self-Defence Force | Fuji AH-1S Cobra | Kasumigaura Kou | |
Yokota Air Base – RJTY
Aircraft Observed:
| Operator | Aircraft Type | Squadron | Badge |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States Air Force | Bell UH-1N Iroquois | 459th AS |  |
