View source for Japan Air Self-Defense Force

{{Short description|Air warfare branch of Japan's armed forces}}
{{Redirect|Japanese Air Force}}
{{use dmy dates|date=November 2021}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name                     = Japan Air Self-Defense Force
| native_name                   = {{ubl|{{nativename|ja|航空自衛隊}}|{{Transliteration|ja|Kōkū Jieitai}}}}
| image                         = JASDF emblem.svg
| image_size                    = 200px
| caption                       = Emblem of the Air Self-Defense Force
| start_date                    = {{start date and age|1954|07|01|df=yes}}<ref name="modgo"/>
| country                       = {{flag|Japan}}
| allegiance                    = 
| branch                        = 
| type                          = [[Air force]]<br>[[Space force]]
| role                          = {{ubl|[[Aerial warfare]]|[[Space warfare]]|[[Cyberwarfare]]|[[Electronic warfare]]}}
| size                          = {{ubl|49,913 personnel (2018)<ref name="modgo">{{cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/English_page/organization/formation01/|title=What is JASDF?｜ORGANIZATION ｜ [JASDF] Japan Air Self-Defense Force|website=www.mod.go.jp|access-date=2021-12-20}}</ref>|745 aircraft}}
| command_structure             = [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]]
| garrison                      = [[Ichigaya]], [[Shinjuku]], [[Tokyo]]
| garrison_label                = Headquarters
| nickname                      = 
| patron                        = 
| motto                         = "Key to Defense, Ready Anytime!"
| colours                       = 
| colours_label                 = 
| march                         = 
| mascot                        = 
| anniversaries                 = 
| equipment                     = 
| equipment_label               = 
| battles                       = 
| decorations                   = 
| battle_honours                = 
| battle_honours_label          = 
| flying_hours                  = 
| website                       = {{Official URL}}
<!-- Commanders -->| commander1                    = [[Prime Minister of Japan|Prime Minister]] [[Shigeru Ishiba]]
| commander1_label              = [[Commander-in-chief#Japan|Commander-in-Chief]]
| commander2                    = [[Gen Nakatani]]
| commander2_label              = [[Minister of Defense (Japan)|Minister of Defense]]
| commander3                    = [[Military ranks and insignia of the Japan Self-Defense Forces#Maritime Self-Defence Force|General]] [[Yoshihide Yoshida]]
| commander3_label              = [[Chief of Staff, Joint Staff]]
| commander4                    = [[Military ranks and insignia of the Japan Self-Defense Forces#Air Self-Defense Force|General]] [[Hiroaki Uchikura]]
| commander4_label              = Chief of Staff, Air Self-Defense Force
| notable_commanders            = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol         = [[File:Roundel of Japan.svg|80px]] [[File:Roundel of Japan – Low Visibility.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label   = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2       = [[File:Flag of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.svg|150px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = Flag
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack               = 
| aircraft_bomber               = 
| aircraft_electronic           = [[Boeing E-767|E-767]], [[Kawasaki C-1|EC-1]], [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C/D]], [[NAMC YS-11|YS-11EA/EB]]
| aircraft_fighter              = [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15J/DJ]], [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2A/B]], [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A/B]]
| aircraft_helicopter           = [[Mitsubishi H-60|UH-60J]], [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook|CH-47J (LR)]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack    = 
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo     = 
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole = 
| aircraft_helicopter_observation = 
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer   = 
| aircraft_helicopter_utility   = 
| aircraft_interceptor          = 
| aircraft_patrol               = 
| aircraft_recon                = 
| aircraft_trainer              = [[Fuji T-3|T-3]], [[Fuji T-7|T-7]], [[Hawker 400|T-400]], [[Kawasaki T-4|T-4]]
| aircraft_transport            = [[Kawasaki C-1|C-1]], [[Kawasaki C-2|C-2]], [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130H]], [[Hawker 800]], [[Gulfstream IV]], [[Boeing 777]]
| aircraft_tanker               = [[Boeing 767|KC-767]], [[Lockheed KC-130 Hercules|KC-130]]
| aircraft_general              = 
}}

The {{Nihongo|'''Japan Air Self-Defense Force'''|航空自衛隊|Kōkū Jieitai|lead=yes}}, '''{{Nihongo|JASDF|空自|Kūji}}''', also referred to as the '''Japanese Air Force''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japans-air-force-the-best-asia-24543|title=Japan's Air Force: The Best in Asia?|first=Charlie|last=Gao|date=19 February 2018|access-date=29 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530041409/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/japans-air-force-the-best-asia-24543|archive-date=30 May 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> is the [[Aerial warfare|air]] and [[space warfare|space]] branch of the [[Japan Self-Defense Forces]], responsible for the defense of Japanese [[airspace]], other air and space operations, [[cyberwarfare]] and [[electronic warfare]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/English_page/roles/role02/index.html|title=Mission|access-date=2021-11-15|publisher=JASDF}}</ref> The JASDF carries out [[combat air patrols]] around [[Japan]], while also maintaining a network of ground and air [[early-warning radar]] systems. The branch also has an [[aerobatic]] team known as [[Blue Impulse]] and has provided air transport in [[United Nations|UN]] peacekeeping missions.

The JASDF had an estimated 49,913 personnel as of 2018, and as of 2023 operates about 712 aircraft, approximately 321 of them being fighter aircraft.<ref name="World Air Forces 2024">{{Cite web |editor-last=Hoyle |editor-first=Craig |title=World Air Forces 2024 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2024-world-air-forces-directory-how-major-conflicts-impacted-global-fleet/156048.article |access-date=2023-12-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105033828/https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=98881 |archive-date=5 January 2024 |url-access=registration |website=Flight Global |year=2023}}</ref>

The service will be renamed in 2027 to the '''{{Nihongo|Japan Air and Space Self-Defense Force|航空宇宙自衛隊|Kōkū Uchū Jieitai}}''', in recognition of the increasing importance of the space domain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stripes.com/theaters/asia_pacific/2023-10-11/japan-space-air-defense-force-11664863.html |title=Japan is renaming its air force as threats from above become more 'complex'|date=2023-10-11|access-date=2023-10-12|first1=Seth|last1=Robson|first2=Hana|last2=Kusumoto|publisher=[[Stars and Stripes (newspaper)|Stars and Stripes]]}}</ref>

==History==
{{See also|Military history of Japan}}
[[File:T-33 Japan (21485082072).jpg|thumb|left|A JASDF [[Lockheed T-33]] trainer]]

Japan did not have a separate [[air force]] before and during [[World War II]]. Aviation operations were carried out by the [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Service]] and the [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]] ([[Kōkūtai]]). Following defeat in [[World War II]], the [[Imperial Japanese Army]] and [[Imperial Japanese Navy|Navy]] (including their respective Air Services) were disbanded in 1945.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Under the supervision of the United States occupation authorities, a pacifist Japanese government was appointed in place of the militaristic governments that administered the [[Empire of Japan]] during the war.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} The new government drafted a [[Constitution of Japan|postwar constitution]]. While the primary intent of this endeavor was to place the country's political structure on a firmly democratic footing, the constitution endorsed by the United States and ratified by the [[Diet of Japan]] in 1947 also contained [[Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution|Article 9]] which strictly prohibited Japan from having a regular [[military]].{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

The U.S. occupation formally ended in 1952, although a large American garrison remained in Japan, to defend the country. The victory of the [[Chinese Communist Party]] in the [[Chinese Civil War]] and the onset of the [[Korean War]] led the Americans to reconsider what role the Japanese could be expected to play in, at the very least, defending their own home islands against growing Chinese, Soviet and North Korean power in the region. Under U.S. guidance, on 1 July 1954 the National Security Board was reorganized as the Defense Agency, and the National Security Force was reorganized afterwards as the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force]] (''de facto'' post-war Japanese [[Army]]), the Coastal Safety Force was reorganized as the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] (''de facto'' post-war Japanese [[Navy]]) and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (''de facto'' post-war Japanese [[Air Force]]) was established as a new branch of JSDF. General [[Keizō Hayashi]] was appointed as the first Chairman of Joint Staff Council—professional head of the three branches. The enabling legislation for this was the 1954 Self-Defense Forces Act (Act No. 165 of 1954).<ref name="Takei">{{Cite journal |title=Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in the New Maritime Era |last=Takei |first=Tomohisa |author-link=Tomohisa Takei |volume=34 |date=2008 |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/navcol/SSG/topics-column/images/c-030/c-030_eng.pdf |journal=Hatou |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215184046/http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/navcol/SSG/topics-column/images/c-030/c-030_eng.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2018 |page=3 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name="Takei ja">{{cite journal  |script-title= ja:海洋新時代における海上自衛隊 |trans-title=Japan Maritime Self Defense Force in the New Maritime Era |author=武居智久 |author-link=Tomohisa Takei |volume=34 |date=2008 |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/navcol/SSG/topics-column/images/c-030/c-030.pdf |journal=波涛 |publisher=波涛編集委員会 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215184134/http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/navcol/SSG/topics-column/images/c-030/c-030.pdf |archive-date=15 December 2018 |page=5  |df=dmy-all |language=ja}}</ref>

The [[Far East Air Force (United States)|Far East Air Force]], U.S. Air Force, announced on 6 January 1955, that 85 aircraft would be turned over to the fledgling Japanese air force on about 15 January, the first equipment of the new force.<ref>{{cite journal|publisher=Associated Press|title=Jap Air Force Will Get 85 U. S. Planes|journal=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|location=Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania|date=7 January 1955|volume=28|issue=137|page=2}}</ref>

The JASDF {{ill|Air Defense Command (Japan)|ja|航空総隊}} Headquarters was relocated from [[Fuchu Air Base]] to [[Yokota Air Base]] on March 26, 2012. The relocation is due to the 2002 Defense Policy Review Initiative. The purpose is to strengthen the [[Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security between the United States and Japan|U.S.-Japan Security Alliance]]. The ADC Headquarters does command and control operations to defend Japanese airspace.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

Until 2015, women were banned from becoming fighter jet and reconnaissance aircraft pilots. The first female pilot of an F-15 joined the ranks, along with three other female pilots currently in training, in 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45295212|title=First Japanese woman to fly fighter jet|date=2018-08-24|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-08-24|language=en-GB|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180824142432/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-45295212|archive-date=2018-08-24|url-status=live}}</ref>

Since 2008, the number of [[Scrambling (military)|scrambles]] to intercept Chinese aircraft has increased rapidly. In 2010 there were scrambles against 31 Chinese aircraft and 193 Russian aircraft. In 2018 scrambles increased to against 638 Chinese aircraft and against 343 Russian aircraft. Chinese aircraft flight paths are mostly in the [[East China Sea]], around the [[Ryukyu Islands]] and through the [[Korea Strait]]. Russia frequently conducts flights orbiting Japan with military aircraft.<ref name=scramble>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/English_page/roles/role03/index.html |title=Airspace Surrounding Japan |publisher=Japan Ministry of Defense |date=26 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826204908/http://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/about/role/role03/index.html |archive-date=26 August 2018 |access-date=28 October 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Defense (Japan)|Ministry of Defense]] reported in fiscal 2018 that there were 999 scrambles by JASDF jets against mainly Chinese and Russian unidentified aircraft. That is the second highest amount of [[Scrambling (military)|scrambles]] by the JASDF since 1958. 638 (64%) were Chinese aircraft and 343 (34%) were Russian aircraft. On June 20, 2019, two Russian bombers ([[Tupolev Tu-95]]) violated Japanese airspace twice on the same day.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.stripes.com/news/russian-bombers-violated-japan-s-airspace-twice-in-one-day-defense-ministry-says-1.586945|title=Russian bombers violated Japan's airspace twice in one day, defense ministry says|date=2019-06-21|work=Stars and Stripes|access-date=2019-06-23|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622144557/https://www.stripes.com/news/russian-bombers-violated-japan-s-airspace-twice-in-one-day-defense-ministry-says-1.586945|archive-date=2019-06-22|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[National Diet|Diet]] of Japan approved the modification of the ships of the [[Izumo-class helicopter destroyer|''Izumo-class'']] to operate STOVL aircraft and in 2019 ordered 42 STOVL [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II]]s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2018/12/18/asia/japan-aircraft-carriers-intl/index.html|title = Japan to have first aircraft carriers since World War II|first1=Brad|last1=Lendon|first2=Yoko|last2=Wakatsuki|work=CNN|date=2018-12-18|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref> The US Marines will operate their own STOVL F-35s from the ''Izumo-class'' in cooperation with the ship's crew to build up a Japanese capability to operate this type.  The current plan is for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to operate the STOVL F-35B from land bases once delivered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/08/usmc-to-first-fly-f-35b-from-japans-izumo-class-aircraft-carriers/|title=USMC to Fly First F-35B from Japan's Izumo-class Aircraft Carriers|date=21 August 2019|access-date=2021-11-15|first=Xavier|last=Vavasseur}}</ref>

As of 2020, the JASDF is under increasing pressure to intercept warplanes from China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) close to entering its air space. As of the last fiscal year ending in March 2020, the JASDF scrambled aircraft a record 947 times to intercept PLAAF warplanes. This has resulted in heavy wear and tear on their F-15J fighter aircraft,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/07/28/asia/japan-china-fighter-jet-scrambles-intl-hnk-dst/index.html|title=Japan's air force faces a 'relentless' burden, imposed by China|work=CNN|first1=Brad|last1=Lendon|first2=Yoko|last2=Wakatsuki|date=2020-07-29|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref> due to this, as of 2021, the JASDF intercepts fewer PLAAF warplane approaches and has deployed F-35 fighter jets to supplement the F-15J fighter jets in this role.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2021/04/02/japan-is-about-to-waste-its-f-35s-shadowing-chinese-planes/|title=Japan is About to Waste Its F-35s Shadowing Chinese Planes|first=David|last=Axe|work=Forbes|date=2021-04-02|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2021/03/ef1d2ba18bec-japan-scrambling-jets-less-against-china-as-more-f-35-deployment-eyed.html|title = Japan scrambling jets less against China as more F-35 deployment eyed|work=[[Kyodo News]]|date=2021-03-03|access-date=2021-11-15}}</ref>

On 17 March 2021, the [[McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|Mitsubishi F-4EJ Phantom II]] was retired after 50 years of service with the JASDF, being replaced by the F-35A.<ref>{{cite web |first=David |last=Cenciotti |url=https://theaviationist.com/2021/03/17/japans-last-three-f-4ej-phantoms-have-just-flown-for-the-last-time/ |title=Japan's Last Three F-4EJ Phantoms Have Just Flown For The Last Time |website=The Aviationist |date=17 March 2021 |access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref>

During the 9 months of fiscal year 2021, JASDF fighters scrambled against 785 inbound flights.<ref name="Eurasian-Times"/> Chinese aircraft were intercepted 571 times (70%), and 199 Russian aircraft.<ref name="Eurasian-Times"/> The majority of the Chinese aircraft flew over [[Okinawa prefecture]].<ref name="Eurasian-Times">{{cite web |title=Exhausting Japanese Air Force, Chinese, Russian Incursions Forced Tokyo To Scramble Its Fighters Over 700 Times In 9 Months |date=January 27, 2022 |url=https://eurasiantimes.com/exhausing-japanese-air-force-chinese-russian-incursions-tokyo/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208142603/https://eurasiantimes.com/exhausing-japanese-air-force-chinese-russian-incursions-tokyo/ |archive-date=February 8, 2022}}</ref>

On 22 October 2023, the JASDF conducted its first-ever trilateral exercise with the South Korean and United States air forces near the Korean Peninsula.<ref>{{cite news |title=US, ROK, Japan hold first joint aerial drill despite North Korean warnings |url=https://www.nknews.org/2023/10/us-rok-japan-hold-first-joint-aerial-drill-despite-north-korean-warnings |publisher=NK News |date=October 23, 2023}}</ref>

The JASDF's [[Mitsubishi F-2]] fighters are slated to be replaced by a future sixth-generation stealth fighter developed under the [[Global Combat Air Programme|Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)]]. This aircraft would be designed by a joint venture set-up in mid-2025 with manufacturing and assembly being subcontracted to Britain's [[BAE Systems]], Italy's [[Leonardo (company)|Leonardo]], and Japan's [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2024-12-13 |title=GCAP partners form joint venture to deliver next-gen fighter for UK, Japan and Italy |url=https://breakingdefense.com/2024/12/gcap-partners-form-joint-venture-to-deliver-next-gen-fighter-for-uk-japan-and-italy/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref>

A trilateral organisation called the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) would oversee the entire project; it would be headquartered in the UK and led by former Japanese Vice Minister of Defense Masami Oka.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bernacchi |first=Giulia |date=2024-10-23 |title=Japan, UK, Italy to Accelerate Development of Next-Gen Fighter Jet |url=https://thedefensepost.com/2024/10/22/japan-uk-italy-accelerate-fighter-jet/ |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=The Defense Post |language=en-US}}</ref> The fighter is slated to be deployed by 2035 and would be a crewed platform which would possibly be capable of directing other autonomous aircraft.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Japan, U.K. and Italy to expedite next-generation fighter jet to replace F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons {{!}} The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15473937 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241126221029/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15473937 |archive-date=2024-11-26 |access-date=2024-12-24 |work=The Asahi Shimbun |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Unlocking Sixth-Gen Air Power: Inside the Military Capability for GCAP |url=https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-research/publications/commentary/unlocking-sixth-gen-air-power-inside-military-capability-gcap |access-date=2024-12-24 |website=rusi.orghttps |language=en}}</ref>

==Organization==
[[File:US and Japanese leaders cut the ribbon during the opening ceremony for the new Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Defense Command Headquarters.jpg|thumb|Japan Air Self-Defense Force Air Defense Command Headquarters (2012)]]

Major units of the JASDF are the Air Defense Command, Air Support Command, Air Training Command, Air Development and Test Command, and Air Materiel Command. The Air Support Command is responsible for direct support of operational forces in rescue, transportation, control, weather monitoring and inspection. The Air Training Command is responsible for basic flying and technical training. The Air Development and Test Command, in addition to overseeing equipment research and development, is also responsible for research and development in such areas as flight medicine. On May 19, 2020, the JASDF officially inaugurated its Space Operation Squadron.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/2020/05/18/242b253c-349b-4ace-96fb-52c08c033596|title=Japan sets up its first 'Space Operations Squadron'|date=18 May 2020|access-date=20 May 2020|work=Jane's}}</ref>
[[File:Japan air self defense force Mitsubishi F-15 306SQ RJNK.JPG|thumb|[[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15DJ]] Eagle]]
The Air Defense Command has northern, central, and western regional headquarters located at [[Misawa Air Base|Misawa]], Iruma, and Kasuga, respectively and the Southwestern Composite Air Division based at [[Naha]], [[Okinawa Prefecture]]. All four regional headquarters control surface-to-air missile units of both the JASDF and the JGSDF located in their respective areas.

*'''[[Prime Minister of Japan]]'''
**'''[[Minister of Defense (Japan)|Minister of Defense]]'''
***'''{{ill|JASDF Chief of Staff|ja|航空幕僚長}} / {{ill|Air Staff Office|ja|航空幕僚監部}}'''
****[[File:JASDF Air Defense Command HQ insignia.svg|25px]]'''{{ill|Air Defense Command (Japan)|lt=Air Defense Command|ja|航空総隊}}''': [[Yokota Air Base|Yokota]], [[Fussa, Tokyo|Fussa]], [[Tokyo]]
***** {{ill|Northern Air Defense Force|ja|北部航空方面隊}}: [[Misawa Air Base|Misawa]], [[Aomori Prefecture|Aomori]]
******{{ill|2nd Air Wing|ja|第2航空団}} ([[Chitose Air Base]]: [[201st Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|201SQ]], [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15J/DJ]], [[Kawasaki T-4|T-4]]; [[203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|203SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4)
******{{ill|3rd Air Wing|ja|第3航空団
}} ([[Misawa Air Base]]: [[301st Tactical Fighter Squadron|301SQ]], [[Lockheed Martin F-35A|F-35A]], T-4; [[302nd Tactical Fighter Squadron|302SQ]], F-35A, T-4)
******[[Northern Air Command Support Flight (JASDF)|Northern Air Command Support Flight]], (Misawa, T-4)
******{{ill|Northern Aircraft Control & Warning Wing|ja|北部航空警戒管制団}}
******{{ill|Northern Air Defense Missile Group|ja|北部高射群}} (9th, 10th, 11th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th Air Defense Missile Squadron)
*****{{ill|Central Air Defense Force (Japan)|lt=Central Air Defense Force|ja|中部航空方面隊}}: [[Iruma Air Base|Iruma]], [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
******{{ill|6th Air Wing|ja|第6航空団}} ([[Komatsu Air Base]]: [[303rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|303SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4; [[306th Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|306SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4)
******[[7th Air Wing (JASDF)|7th Air Wing]] ([[Hyakuri Airfield|Hyakuri Air Base]]: [[3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|3SQ]], [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2A/B]] T-4)
******[[Central Air Command Support Squadron (JASDF)|Central Air Command Support Squadron]] (Iruma Air Base T-4, U-4)
******{{ill|Central Aircraft Control & Warning Wing|ja|中部航空警戒管制団}}
******{{ill|Central Air Defense Missile Group|ja|中部高射群}} (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th Air Defense Missile Squadron) 
******{{ill|Iwo Jima Air Base Group|ja|硫黄島基地隊}}
*****{{ill|Western Air Defense Force (Japan)|lt=Western Air Defense Force|ja|西部航空方面隊}}: [[Kasuga, Fukuoka|Kasuga]], [[Fukuoka Prefecture|Fukuoka]]
******{{ill|5th Air Wing|ja|第5航空団}} ([[Nyutabaru Air Base]]: [[305th Tactical Fighter Squadron|305SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4)
******{{ill|8th Air Wing|ja|第8航空団}} ([[Tsuiki Air Base]]: [[6th Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|6SQ]], F-2A/B, T-4; [[8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|8SQ]], F-2A/B, T-4)
******[[Western Air Command Support Squadron (JASDF)|Western Air Command Support Squadron]], (Kasuga, T-4)[[File:20170810034434!Mitsubishi F-2 in flight 23 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Mitsubishi F-2B|F-2B]]]]
******{{ill|Western Aircraft Control & Warning Wing|ja|西部航空警戒管制団}}
******{{ill|Western Air Defense Missile Group|ja|西部高射群}} (5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th Air defense Missile Squadron)
*****{{ill|Southwestern Air Defense Force|ja|南西航空方面隊}}: [[Naha, Okinawa|Naha]], [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]
******[[9th Air Wing]] ([[Naha Air Base]]: [[204th Tactical Fighter Squadron|204SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4; [[304th Tactical Fighter Squadron|304SQ]], F-15J/DJ, T-4
******[[Southwestern Air Command Support Squadron (JASDF)|Southwestern Air Command Support Squadron]], T-4)
******{{ill|Southwestern Aircraft Control & Warning Wing|ja|南西航空警戒管制団}}
******{{ill|Southwestern Air Defense Missile Group|ja|南西高射群}} (16th, 17th, 18th and 19th Air Defense Missile Squadron)   
*****[[Airborne Early Warning Group (JASDF)|Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing]]: Hamamatsu Air Base )
******Flight Warning and Control Group: Hamamatsu Air Base
*******[[602nd Squadron (JASDF)|602SQ]], [[E-767]]
*******Operation Information Squadron
******Flight Alert Monitoring Group: Misawa Air Base
*******[[601st Squadron (JASDF)|601SQ]], [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C/D]]: Misawa Air Base
*******[[603rd Squadron (JASDF)|603SQ]], E-2C/D:  Naha Air Base
******1st Maintenance Group
******2nd Maintenance Group
*****Air Tactics Development Wing ([[Yokota Air Base]])
******[[Tactical Fighter Training Group (JASDF)|Tactical Fighter Training Group]]: Komatsu Air Base (F-15DJ/J, T-4)
******[[Electronic Warfare Squadron (JASDF)|Electronic Warfare Squadron]] Iruma Air Base (EC-1, YS-11EB)
******[[Electronic Intelligence Squadron (JASDF)|Electronic Intelligence Squadron]] Iruma Air Base (YS-11EB)
*****[[Air Rescue Wing (JASDF)|Air Rescue Wing]] 
******Detachments: [[Air Rescue Wing Chitose Detachment (JASDF)|Chitose]], [[Air Rescue Wing Matsushima Detachment (JASDF)|Matsushima]], [[Air Rescue Wing Ashiya Detachment (JASDF)|Ashiya]], [[Air Rescue Wing Akita Detachment (JASDF)|Akita]], [[Air Rescue Wing Hyakuri Detachment (JASDF)|Hyakuri]], [[Air Rescue Wing Nyutabaru Detachment (JASDF)|Nyutabaru]], [[Air Rescue Wing Niigata Detachment (JASDF)|Niigata]], [[Air Rescue Wing Hamamatsu Detachment (JASDF)|Hamamatsu]], [[Air Rescue Wing Naha Detachment (JASDF)|Naha]], [[Air Rescue Wing Komatsu Detachment (JASDF)|Komatsu]], [[Air Rescue Wing Komaki Detachment (JASDF)|Komaki]] (Training Squadron) ([[Mitsubishi H-60#UH-60J|UH-60J]], [[Hawker 800#Military operators|U-125A]])
******Helicopter Airlift Squadrons: [[Iruma Helicopter Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|Iruma]] ([[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47J|CH-47J (LR)]]), [[Kasuga Helicopter Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|Kasuga]] ([[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47J|CH-47J (LR)]]), [[Misawa Helicopter Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|Misawa]] ([[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47J|CH-47J (LR)]]), [[Naha Helicopter Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|Naha]] ([[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47J|CH-47J (LR)]])
*****Air Defense Missile Training Group: Hamamatsu, Chitose
***'''Air Support Command''': [[Fuchū Air Base (Tokyo)|Fuchū Air Base]], [[Tokyo]][[File:JASDF U-125A (cropped).jpg|thumb|A U-125A aircraft]]
****[[1st Tactical Airlift Group (JASDF)|1st Tactical Airlift Group]] ([[Komaki Air Base]]: [[401st Tactical Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|401SQ]], [[C-130H]], KC-130H; [[404th Tactical Airlift Tanker Squadron (JASDF)|404SQ]], [[KC-767]])
****[[2nd Tactical Airlift Group (JASDF)|2nd Tactical Airlift Group]] ([[Iruma Air Base]]: [[402nd Tactical Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|402SQ]], [[Kawasaki C-1|C-1]], U-4)
****[[3rd Tactical Airlift Group (JASDF)|3rd Tactical Airlift Group]] ([[Miho Air Base]]: [[403rd Tactical Airlift Squadron (JASDF)|403SQ]], C-1, C-2; 405SQ, [[KC-46]]) 
****Air Traffic Control Service Group
****Air Weather Group
****[[Flight Check Squadron (JASDF)|Flight Check Squadron]] (Iruma Air Base: U-125)
****Special Airlift Group: (701SQ [[Chitose Air Base]]: [[Boeing 777|Boeing 777-300ER]] as [[Japanese Air Force One]])
***'''Air Training Command''': [[Hamamatsu, Shizuoka|Hamamatsu]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture|Shizuoka]]
****[[1st Air Wing (JASDF)|1st Air Wing]] ([[Hamamatsu Air Base]]: [[31st Training Squadron (JASDF)|31SQ]], [[Kawasaki T-4|T-4]]; [[32nd Training Squadron (JASDF)|32SQ]], T-4, [[41st Flight Training Squadron (JASDF)|41SQ]], [[T-1 Jayhawk|T-400]])
****[[4th Air Wing (JASDF)|4th Air Wing]] ([[Matsushima Air Field]]: [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2B]]; 11SQ, T-4 [[Blue Impulse]] [[21st Fighter Training Squadron (JASDF)|21SQ]])
****[[11th Flying Training Wing (JASDF)|11th Flying Training Wing]] ([[Shizuhama Air Base]]: [[1st Flight Training Squadron (JASDF 11th Wing)|1SQ]], [[Fuji T-7|T-7]]; [[2nd Flight Training Squadron (JASDF 11th Wing)|2SQ]], [[Fuji T-7|T-7]])
****[[12th Flight Training Wing (JASDF)|12th Flight Training Wing]] ([[Hōfu Air Field|Hofu kita Air Base]]: 1SQ, T-7; 2SQ, [[Fuji T-7|T-7]])
****[[13th Flight Training Wing (JASDF)|13th Flight Training Wing]] ([[Ashiya Air Field|Ashiya Air Base]]: 1SQ, T-4; 2SQ, T-4)
****[[Fighter Training Group (JASDF)|Fighter Training Group]] ([[Nyutabaru Air Base]]: [[23rd Flying Training Squadron (JASDF)|23SQ]] (Ex-[[202nd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)|202SQ]]), [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15DJ]], T-4)
****[[1st Technical School (JASDF)|1st]], 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th Technical School
****Air Basic Training Wing
****Air Training Aids Group
****Air Officer Candidate School
***'''Air Development and Test Command''': Iruma Air Base, [[Saitama Prefecture|Saitama]]
****[[Air Development and Test Wing (JASDF)|Air Development and Test Wing]] ([[Gifu Air Field|Gifu Air Base]]: F-15J/DJ, F-2A/B, C-1FTB, [[Kawasaki C-2|C-2]], [[Fuji T-7|T-7]], T-4)
****Electronics Development and Test Group
****Aeromedical Laboratory
***'''Air Material Command''': [[Meguro|Jujou]], [[Tokyo]]
****1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Air Depot
***Air Staff College
***Air Communications and Systems Wing
***Aerosafety Service Group
***Central Air Base Group
***[[Space Operations Squadron (JASDF)|Space Operations Squadron]]

{{Location map+ | Japan
| width = 840
| float = center
| caption = Fighter bases: [[File:Blue 0080ff pog.svg|10px]] [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15J/F-15J Eagle]] [[File:Red pog.svg|10px]] [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35A Lightning II]] [[File:Yellow pog.svg|10px]] [[Mitsubishi F-2|F-2A/B]]<br>Training bases: [[File:Purple pog.svg|10px]] [[Kawasaki T-4|T-4]] [[File:Pink pog.svg|10px]] [[Fuji T-7|T-7]] Other bases: [[File:Green 008000 pog.svg|10px]]
| relief = 1
| places = 
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Yokota Air Base|Yokota]]}}</small> |lat= 35.748611 |long= 139.348611 |position=left |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Chitose Air Base|Chitose]]}}</small> |lat= 42.794444 |long= 141.666389 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Misawa Air Base|Misawa]]}}</small> |lat= 40.705278 |long= 141.371944 |position=right |mark=Red pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Komatsu Air Base|Komatsu]]}}</small> |lat= 36.393889 |long= 136.4075 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Hyakuri Air Base|Hyakuri]]}}</small> |lat= 36.181667 |long= 140.414722 |position=right |mark=Yellow pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Iruma Air Base|Iruma]]}}</small> |lat= 35.841944 |long= 139.410556 |position=top |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Nyutabaru Air Base|Nyutabaru]]}}</small> |lat= 32.083611 |long= 131.451389 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Tsuiki Air Base|Tsuiki]]}}</small> |lat= 33.685 |long= 131.040278 |position=right |mark=Yellow pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Kasuga Air Base|Kasuga]]}}</small> |lat= 33.531389 |long= 130.466667 |position=left |mark=Purple pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Naha Air Base|Naha]]}}</small> |lat= 26.195833 |long= 127.645833 |position=right |mark=Blue 0080ff pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Fuchū Air Base (Tokyo)|Fuchū]]}}</small> |lat= 35.676 |long= 139.495 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Komaki Air Base|Komaki]]}}</small> |lat= 35.255 |long= 136.924444 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Miho Air Base|Miho]]}}</small> |lat= 35.493333 |long= 133.239167 |position=right |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Hamamatsu Air Base|Hamamatsu]]}}</small> |lat= 34.750278 |long= 137.703056 |position=left |mark=Purple pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Matsushima Air Base|Matsushima]]}}</small> |lat= 38.403056 |long= 141.211944 |position=right |mark=Yellow-purple pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Shizuhama Air Base|Shizuhama]]}}</small> |lat= 34.812778 |long= 138.298056 |position=right |mark=Pink pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Hōfu Air Base|Hōfu]]}}</small> |lat= 34.034444 |long= 131.546389 |position=right |mark=Pink pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Ashiya Air Base|Ashiya]]}}</small> |lat= 33.881389 |long= 130.651667 |position=left |mark=Purple pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
{{Location map~ | Japan | background= white |label= <small>{{nowrap|[[Gifu Air Base|Gifu]]}}</small> |lat= 35.394444 |long= 136.869444 |position=left |mark=Green 008000 pog.svg |marksize = 10}}
}}

==Ranks==
{{Main|Ranks and insignia of the Japan Self-Defense Forces}}

===Commissioned officer ranks===
The rank insignia of [[commissioned officer]]s.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OF/Japan}}
|}

===Other ranks===
The rank insignia of [[non-commissioned officer]]s and [[Enlisted rank|enlisted personnel]].
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of Non NATO Air Forces/OR/Japan}}
|}

==Equipment==
{{See also|List of military aircraft of Japan}}

The JASDF maintains an integrated network of [[radar]] installations and [[Anti-aircraft warfare|air defense]] direction centers throughout the country known as the Basic Air Defense Ground Environment. In the late 1980s, the system was modernized and augmented with [[E-2 Hawkeye|E-2C Hawkeye]] airborne early warning aircraft. The nation relies on fighter-[[interceptor aircraft]] and [[surface-to-air missile]]s to intercept hostile aircraft. Both of these systems were improved from the beginning of the late 1980s. Outmoded aircraft were replaced in the early 1990s with more sophisticated models, and [[Nike-J]] missiles have been replaced with the modern [[MIM-104 Patriot#PAC-2|Patriot PAC-2]] and [[MIM-104 Patriot#PAC-3|PAC-3]] system and [[M167 VADS]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/equipment/other/Patriot/index.html|title=主要装備 ペトリオット|language=ja|access-date=2022-02-11|website=mod.go.jp}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |user=jasdf_hyakuri |number=1107566146289459200 |date=2019-03-18 |title=皆さんこんにちは！本日はVADSの空包射撃訓練の模様をお伝えします。VADSとは、Vulcan Air Defense Systemの頭文字を取った呼び方です。VADSは射手と分隊長の2人1組で射撃を行います。眼差しから、訓練への真剣さが伝わってきます！|language=ja |access-date=2022-02-11}}</ref> The JASDF also provides air support for ground and sea operations of the [[Japan Ground Self-Defense Force|JGSDF]] and the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|JMSDF]] and air defense for bases of all the forces. Base defenses were upgraded in the late 1980s with new surface-to-air missiles, modern antiaircraft artillery and new fixed and mobile aircraft shelters.

===Aircraft===
[[File:F-35A_from_the_Japan_Air_Force.jpg|thumb|A JASDF F-35A]]
[[File:E-2C (13724985533).jpg|thumb|An E-2C Hawkeye landing at [[Misawa Air Base]]]]
[[File:67-4495 CH-47J from Iruma AB (5215150649).jpg|thumb|A CH-47J from [[Iruma Air Base]]]]
[[File:JASDF Kawasaki T-4 (10).jpg|thumb|A Kawasaki T-4]]

{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;"|Type
! style="text-align:left; background:#acc;"|Variant
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle|F-15 Eagle]]
|rowspan="2"| [[United States]] / [[Japan]]
|[[Air superiority fighter|Air superiority]]
| [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15J]]
| 155<ref name="World Air Forces 2025">{{cite web |last = Hoyle |first = Craig|url= https://www.flightglobal.com/download?ac=106507|title = World Air Forces 2025|publisher = Flight Global |year=2024  |doi = |access-date= 7 December 2024}}</ref>
|rowspan="2"|licensed produced by [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries|Mitsubishi]]
|-
| [[Trainer aircraft#Operational conversion|Conversion trainer]] 
| [[Mitsubishi F-15J|F-15DJ]]
| 44<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II|F-35 Lightning II]]
| United States
| [[Multirole combat aircraft|Multirole]]
| [[Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II#Variants|F-35A/B]]
| 38<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 1+107* on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
|rowspan="2"|[[Mitsubishi F-2]]
|rowspan="2"|Japan
|Multirole
| [[Mitsubishi F-2#Variants|F-2A]]
| 62<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|rowspan="2"|based on the [[General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon|Lockheed Martin F-16]]
|-
|Conversion trainer
|[[Mitsubishi F-2#Variants|F-2B]]
| 23<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Airborne early warning and control|AWACS]]
|-
| [[Boeing E-767]]
| United States 
| [[Airborne early warning and control|AEW&C]]
|
|4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye|E-2 Hawkeye]]
| United States
| AEW&C
| [[Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye#Japan|E-2C/D]]
|18<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|9 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan signed contract for five additional E-2Ds |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/japan-signed-contract-for-five-additional-e-2ds |access-date=2024-05-30 |publisher=Jane's|first=Akhil|last=Kadidal|date=2023-10-25}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]]
|-
| [[Kawasaki C-2]]
| Japan
| [[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]]
| [[Kawasaki C-2#Operational history|RC-2]]
| 1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Electronic-warfare aircraft|Electronic warfare]]
|-
| [[Kawasaki C-1]]
| Japan
| [[Electronic-warfare aircraft|Electronic warfare]]
|[[Kawasaki C-1|EC-1]]
|1<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[NAMC YS-11]]
| Japan
| Electronic warfare
|
|3<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| retired in 2021<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20210318/p2a/00m/0na/022000c |title=Japan Air Self-Defense Force commemorates last flight of storied YS11 aircraft|date=18 March 2021|via=Mainichi Daily News|access-date=February 16, 2025}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Aerial refueling|Tanker]]
|-
| [[Boeing KC-767]]
| United States
| [[Aerial refueling]]
| KC-767J
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 
|-
| [[Boeing KC-46 Pegasus]]
| United States
| Aerial refueling / Transport
| [[KC-46A]]
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| 2 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
| [[Lockheed Martin KC-130]]
| United States
| Aerial refueling
|[[Lockheed Martin KC-130#Variants|KC-130H]]
| 2<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Boeing 777]]
| United States
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
| [[Boeing 777-300ER|777-300ER]]
| 2<ref>{{cite web |title=Sparkly new Boeing 777s set to wing Japanese officialdom around the globe |publisher=[[The Mainichi]] |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20190422/p2a/00m/0na/011000c |date=2019-04-22|access-date=2024-05-20}}</ref>
| call sign [[Japanese Air Force One]]
|-
|[[Hawker 800]]
|[[United Kingdom]]
|[[Search and rescue|SAR]] / Transport 
|[[Hawker 800#Military variants|U-125A]]
|26<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[Kawasaki C-1]]
| Japan
| Transport
|
| 4<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[Kawasaki C-2]]
| Japan
| Transport
|
| 13<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|5 on order<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|-
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
| United States
|Transport
|[[Lockheed C-130 Hercules#Variants|C-130H]]
|14<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
| [[Gulfstream IV]]
| United States
| [[Flight inspection]]
| 
| 5<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/><ref name="JASDF equipment">{{cite web |last = |first = |url= https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/equipment/shienki_tenkenki/U-4/index.html|title = U-4|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=16 May 2020|language=ja}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[British Aerospace 125]]
| United Kingdom
| Flight inspection
|
| 2<ref>{{Cite web|title= U-125|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/asdf/equipment/shienki_tenkenki/U-125/index.html|last=|first=|date=|website=Japan Air Self Defense Force|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=16 May 2020|language=ja}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Cessna Citation Latitude]]
| United States
| Flight inspection / [[Utility aircraft|Utility]]
|
|2<ref>{{Cite web|title=Textron delivers first two U-680As to JASDF|url=https://www.key.aero/article/textron-delivers-first-two-u-680as-jasdf|date=24 April 2020|website=Key Aero|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=16 May 2020}}</ref>
|1 on order
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Helicopter]]s
|-
| [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook]]
| United States
| [[Military transport aircraft#Rotary wing|Transport]] / [[Utility helicopter|Utility]]
| [[Boeing CH-47 Chinook#CH-47J|CH-47J]]
| 17<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| Licensed built by [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]]. 5 on order.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan Prioritizes Mobility with Procurement of 17 New Chinook Heavy-Lift Helicopters. |url=https://armyrecognition.com/news/aerospace-news/2025/japan-prioritizes-mobility-with-procurement-of-17-new-chinook-heavy-lift-helicopters |website=Army Recognition |date=24 Jan 2025 |access-date=18 February 2025}}</ref>
|-
|[[Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk]]
| United States
|SAR / Utility<ref name= "JASDF equipment"/> 
|[[Mitsubishi H-60#UH-60J|UH-60J]] 
|57<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
| licensed built by [[Mitsubishi]]
|-
! colspan="6" style="align: center; background: lavender;" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
|[[Fuji T-7]]
| Japan
|Light trainer
|
| 49<ref name="IISS">{{cite book| title=The Military Balance 2024| author1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| author-link1=International Institute for Strategic Studies| date=February 2024| publisher=[[Routledge]]| location=[[London]]| isbn=9781032780047| ref=IISS2024|p=280}}</ref>
|
|-
|[[Hawker 400]]
|United States
|[[Jet trainer]]
| [[Raytheon T-1 Jayhawk|T-1 Jayhawk]]
| 13<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|
|-
|[[Kawasaki T-4]]
| Japan
|Jet trainer
|
|179<ref name="World Air Forces 2025"/>
|1 lost in 2025<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yamaguchi |first=Mari |date=14 May 2025 |title=Japan grounds military training aircraft after crash leaves 2 crew members missing |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-defense-aircraft-crash-b568544d8be53aeb0f33bd935e266e11 |access-date=14 May 2025 |work=AP News}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAV]]
|-
|[[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk|RQ-4 Global Hawk]]
|United States
|[[Surveillance aircraft|Surveillance]]
|[[Northrop Grumman RQ-4 Global Hawk#Variants|RQ-4B]]
|1
|2 on order<ref name="rq4b">{{cite web|title=Japan Receives First of Three RQ-4B Global Hawks From US|first=Hanan |last=Zaffar |work=The Defense Post |date=2022-03-18| access-date=2022-03-26|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/03/18/japan-rq-4b-global-hawks/}}</ref>
|}

==== Future aircraft ====
Japan has unveiled a plan to enhance its future military equipment, focusing on acquiring additional RC-2 aircraft for command, control, and signal intelligence missions. The plan also includes developing a stand-off electronic warfare aircraft to boost electromagnetic warfare and network capabilities. Additionally, Japan aims to strengthen its unmanned aircraft fleet for intelligence gathering and combat missions.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Richard |date=2024-07-15 |title=Japan reemerges as an Asia-Pacific military power |url=https://www.army-technology.com/news/japan-reemerges-as-an-asia-pacific-military-power/ |access-date=2024-07-16 |website=Army Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>

Japan plans to order 1 RC-2 aircraft with the 2024 budget.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20241126a.pdf|title=Overview of FY2025 Budget Request (Page 23 pdf)}}</ref>

Japan plans to order 4 C-2 SOJ electronic warfare aircraft to replace the EC-1 fleet.<ref name=":1" />

Japan selected the [[T-6 Texan II|T-6JP Texan II]] trainer aircraft to replace their [[Fuji T-7]]s. An unspecified number are to be ordered.<ref name="Japan Selects T-6">{{cite news |last1=Arthur |first1=Gordon |title=Japan selects the T-6 Texan II as its new trainer aircraft |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/12/13/japan-selects-the-t-6-texan-ii-as-its-new-trainer-aircraft/ |access-date=4 June 2025 |agency=Defense News |date=13 December 2024}}</ref>

[[Kawasaki T-4]]s are expected to be replaced by 2030 with a new advanced trainer. Contenders for this contract include the [[Boeing-Saab T-7 Red Hawk]], [[Alenia Aermacchi M-346 Master]], [[KAI T-50 Golden Eagle]], and the Mitsubishi T-X Trainer Concept.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gordon |first1=Arthur |title=Vendors line up to fill Japan’s F-35 pilot training gap |url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2025/06/03/vendors-line-up-to-fill-japans-f-35-pilot-training-gap/ |access-date=9 June 2025 |agency=Defense News |date=3 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bernacchi |first1=Giulia |title=Mitsubishi Unveils T-X Trainer Concept for Japan’s Next-Gen Fighter Pilots |url=https://nextgendefense.com/mitsubishi-trainer-japans-fighter/ |access-date=9 June 2025 |agency=Next Gen Defense |date=23 May 2025}}</ref>

==== Detailed F-35 orders ====
{| class="wikitable"
| rowspan="2" style="width:6%;background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black;border-top:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''Fiscal year'''
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: center; width:10%;background:#EAECF0;border-top:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''Budget'''
<small>([[Yen sign|¥]] billion)</small>
| colspan="2" style="text-align: center; background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black;border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black" |'''F-35 yearly procurement'''
| rowspan="2" style="text-align: left; width:24%;background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black;border-top:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black" |'''Notes'''
|-
| style="text-align: center; width:20%; background:#EAECF0; border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''F-35A'''
| style="text-align: center; width:20%; background:#EAECF0; border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''F-35B'''
|-
| style="background:#F2CECE;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |'''<small>Target total</small>'''
| style="background:#F2CECE;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:dashed 2px black;text-align: right;" |–
| style="background:#F2CECE;text-align: center;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>105</small>
| style="background:#F2CECE;text-align: center;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>42</small>
| style="background:#F2CECE;border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>147 planned<ref>{{Cite web |last=Insinna |first=Valerie |date=2020-07-10 |title=US gives the green light to Japan’s $23B F-35 buy |url=https://www.defensenews.com/smr/2020/07/09/us-gives-the-green-light-to-japans-massive-23b-f-35-buy/ |access-date=2024-12-27 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref></small>
|-
| style="background:#FFE18B;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |'''<small>2025</small>'''
| style="background:#FFE18B;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 185.70</small>
| style="background:#FFE18B;text-align: center;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>8</small>
| style="background:#FFE18B;text-align: center;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<small>3</small>
| style="background:#FFE18B;border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:dashed 2px black" |<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2024-09-01 |title=Overview of FY2025 Budget Request (Page 23) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20241126a.pdf |access-date=2024-11-10 |website=Motor-Fan[モーターファン] |language=ja}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2024</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 112.00</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>8</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Overview of the FY2024 Budget (Page 25) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20240607a.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 128.20</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>7</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":2" />
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2023</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 106.90</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>8</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2023 Budget (Page 23) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/230330a.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 143.50</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>8</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":4" />
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2022</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 76.80</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>8</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2022 Budget (Page 11) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/20220420.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 51.00</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>4</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":5" />
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2021</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 39.10</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>4</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2021 Budget (Page 11) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/210331a.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 25.90</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>2</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2021 Budget (Page 12) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/210331a.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2020</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 28.10</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>3</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2020 Budget (Page 12) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/200330a.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 79.30</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref name=":6" />
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2019</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 68.10</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2019 Budget (Page 14) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/190510b.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2018</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 78.50</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2018 Budget (Page 10) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/300329.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2017</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 88.00</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2017 Budget (Page 10) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/290328.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2016</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 108.40</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2016 Budget (Page 9) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/280330.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2015</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 103.20</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>6</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2015 Budget (Page 9) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/270414.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2014</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 63.80</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>4</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2014 Budget (Page 11) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/260130.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2013</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 29.90</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>2</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2013 Budget (Page 11) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/250516.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''<small>2012</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |<small>[[Yen sign|¥]] 39.50</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>4</small>
| style="text-align: center;" |<small>–</small>
| style="border-left:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |<ref>{{Cite web |title=Overview of FY2012 Budget (Page 7) |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/en/d_act/d_budget/pdf/240301.pdf}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-left:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black" |'''Total'''
| rowspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;text-align: right;" |'''[[Yen sign|¥]] 1370.2'''
'''<small>{{font color||#FFE18B|(+ ¥ 185.70)}}</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-top:solid 2px black;text-align: center;" |'''71'''
'''<small>{{font color||#FFE18B|(+ 8)}}</small>'''
| style="background:#EAECF0;border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;text-align: center;" |'''27'''
'''<small>{{font color||#FFE18B|(+ 3)}}</small>'''
| style="border-top:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |–
|-
| colspan="2" style="background:#EAECF0;border-right:solid 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;border-top:dashed 2px black;text-align:center" |'''98'''
'''<small>{{font color||#FFE18B|(+ 11)}}</small>'''
| style="border-top:dashed 2px black;border-bottom:solid 2px black;border-right:solid 2px black;" |–
|}
{{legend|#F2CECE|Targeted number of vehicles}}

{{legend|#FFE18B|Budget request}}

==Culture and traditions==

===JASDF Flag===
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force flag was first adopted in 1955 after the JASDF was created in 1954. It is based on a [[cap badge]] made in 1954. The flag is cobalt blue with a gold winged eagle on top of a combined star, the moon, the [[Flag of Japan|Hinomaru]] sun disc and clouds.<ref>{{cite act|title=自衛隊の旗に関する訓令|trans-title=Instructions on the flag of the Self-Defense Forces|date=1972|url=http://www.clearing.mod.go.jp/kunrei_data/a_fd/1971/ax19720314_00003_000.pdf|language=ja|legislature=[[Ministry of Defense (Japan)|Japanese Defense Agency]]|type=Defense Agency Instruction|index=3}}</ref> The latest version of the JASDF flag was re-adopted on 19 March 2001.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.crwflags.com/FOTW/flags/jp^asdf.html|title=Air Self Defense Force (Japan)|publisher=CRW Flags| website=www.crwflags.com |access-date=2019-10-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160315210107/https://www.crwflags.com/FOTW/flags/jp%5Easdf.html |archive-date=2016-03-15 |url-status=live}}</ref> The JASDF flag is different from the JSDF flag and the JGSDF flag. It is determined by a directive regarding the flags of the JSDF.

===Food===
The dish of the JASDF is deep-fried chicken [[karaage]],<ref name="karaage"/> such as [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]n-style deep-fried chicken.<ref name="karaage">{{cite web |website=Asahi |title=ASDF hopes its fried chicken can outgun popular curry of MSDF |date=November 3, 2020 |url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13817431 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210407092353/https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13817431 |archive-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref> The JASDF tried to increase its popularity by promoting its fried chicken recipe since 2018.<ref name="karaage"/> There were competitions between the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force|JMSDF]]'s popular [[Japanese curry|curry]].<ref name="karaage"/>

==See also==
{{Portal|Japan}}
* [[Fighter units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force]]
* [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation]]
* [[J/FPS-5]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}

* {{Official website}}

{{Japan Air Self-Defense Force}}
{{Japan Self-Defense Forces}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Japan Air Self-Defense Force| ]]
[[Category:Air forces by country]]