Japanese Fighters Complete Historic “Atlantic Eagles” Deployment
THE Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) successfully completed its first deployment of fighter aircraft to Europe in its 71-year history, arriving at the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) RAF Coningsby as part of the “Atlantic Eagles” mission. This landmark achievement strengthens defence cooperation between the United Kingdom and Japan whilst demonstrating the interconnected nature of global security.
Two F-15J fighters, supported by KC-767, KC-46A, and C-2 transport aircraft, along with approximately 180 personnel, are participating in the mission running from 14 September to 1 October 2025. The deployment includes visits to allied air bases in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Germany.
Speaking on the occasion, JASDF Chief of Staff General Morita Takehiro said, “This marks our first fighter deployment to Europe in the 71-year history of the JASDF. We have named this mission ‘Atlantic Eagles,’ symbolising our F-15 jets spreading their wings across the Atlantic.”
His RAF counterpart Air Chief Marshal Smyth added, “The mission builds upon recent defence cooperation initiatives, including the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group (CSG) deployment to the Indo-Pacific this summer and joint training exercises between RAF and JASDF aircraft near Japan.
Last month, the defence ministers of both nations, Gen Nakatani of Japan and John Healey of the UK released their first joint statement, acknowledging strengthening relations and defence cooperation reaching new dimensions.
Both military leaders emphasised that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are interconnected, with the deployment serving to deepen mutual understanding and enhance defence cooperation.
The Atlantic Eagles mission represents the beginning of expanded collaboration between the RAF and JASDF, as both nations work together to maintain peace and stability in support of shared values and global security.
Prior to RAF Coningsby, the detachment visited the US and Canada, and will also visit RAF Brize Norton after this, before finally making their way to Germany.–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:JASDF,RAF)