Unprecedented deployment of JASDF F-15Js to the United Kingdom and Germany. An “Atlantic Eagles” mission that strengthens Indo-Pacific–Atlantic ties and interoperability.
Summary
Japan takes a strategic step forward with the “Atlantic Eagles” mission. For the first time, F-15J fighters are crossing the Atlantic to be deployed in Europe. Four aircraft from the 2nd Air Wing (Chitose) and four support aircraft (one KC-767, one KC-46A, and two Kawasaki C-2s) have joined the Royal Air Force Coningsby (England) and then the Laage Air Base (Germany). The operational window runs from September 14 to October 1, 2025, with approximately 180 airmen. The route, marked by Eielson AFB (Alaska) and Goose Bay (Canada), illustrates the JASDF’s projection capability over more than 13,000 km. The program includes tactical exchanges, sharing of procedures, and formation flights with Typhoons. This presence reinforces the Indo-Pacific–Atlantic framework, is part of the GCAP dynamic, and is based on the UK-Japan reciprocal access agreement. Finally, it sends a signal of industrial and political reliability to NATO partners.
The strategic and political context
Japan is seeking to demonstrate its ability to operate far from the archipelago, while enhancing its level of interoperability with allied air forces. The JASDF sees this deployment as part of a sequence in which Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are considered interdependent. On the political side, the UK-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement facilitates the reception and activities of forces on British territory. On the industrial side, the GCAP program with the United Kingdom and Italy creates a framework for long-term cooperation on next-generation combat aviation. This operational mission therefore embodies links that are already visible in agreements, industrial trajectories, and joint exercises.
The “Atlantic Eagles 2025” mission and its parameters
The “Atlantic Eagles” mission will take place from September 14 to October 1, 2025. It involves four F-15Js from the 2nd Air Wing (Chitose), supported by a KC-767 (1st Tactical Airlift Wing, Komaki), a KC-46A, and two Kawasaki C-2s (3rd Tactical Airlift Wing, Miho; 2nd Tactical Airlift Group, Iruma). Approximately 180 personnel are involved. The selected stages are Eielson AFB (United States), CFB Goose Bay (Canada), RAF Coningsby and RAF Brize Norton (United Kingdom), then Laage Air Base (Germany). The JASDF confirms the objective of “friendly visits” aimed at deepening mutual understanding and defense cooperation, with exchanges of procedures and presence activities.
Resources deployed and flight itinerary
The air package comprises a total of eight aircraft for a routine transoceanic refueling mission, but one that is unprecedented for Japanese fighter jets flying to Europe. KC-46A and KC-767 refueling aircraft ensure logistical continuity and fuel security. The Kawasaki C-2 transports personnel, parts, ground equipment, and training weapons. The Chitose–Eielson–Goose Bay–Coningsby–Laage route, covering a total of more than 13,500 km (long-distance calculation), validates fuel planning, residual fuel management, segment redundancy, and ATC coordination across several FIRs. The staggered arrival in the United Kingdom was accompanied by a distribution between RAF Coningsby (fighter) and Brize Norton (support), before the German leg.
Operational objectives and planned activities
The core of the mission focuses on interoperability. The crews are working on common checklists, radio integration, transatlantic ALTRV, taxiing and safety procedures at NATO bases. Formation flights with Eurofighter Typhoons are planned to check separations, approach speeds, refueling points, and approach profile compatibility. In Germany, the presence at a Eurofighter base provides an opportunity to exchange information on QRA management, inert weapon preparation, and maintenance in a European environment. Even without a firing sequence, the interest lies in standardizing procedures and reducing inter-service friction.
The performance and evolution of the F-15J aircraft
Derived from the F-15C/D, the F-15J retains high supersonic speed potential and a range suitable for long-range air combat, reinforced by in-flight refueling. Japan is modernizing a significant portion of its fleet using a standard centered on APG-82(v)1 AESA radar, the EPAWSS electronic warfare system, and the integration of air-to-ground and anti-ship penetration weapons (including JASSM-ER). This upgrade transforms the F-15J into an interceptor and standoff striker, better integrated into a coalition force. Sending it to Europe, even for an exchange mission, exposes partners to its sensors, tactical displays, and maintenance constraints, and in turn feeds back into the feedback loop.
Industrial and doctrinal benefits (GCAP, MCO, refueling)
The demonstration of range and technical availability is linked to ongoing cooperation: GCAP (industrial cadence, sensors, propulsion), but also the sharing of MCO best practices (line support, supply, part-in-hand repairs) on NATO bases. On the refueling side, the KC-46A/KC-767 tandem allows for the alignment of procedures, basket/boom compatibility, and coordination with allied fleets (Voyager, KC-135R, A330 MRTT). The Kawasaki C-2 confirms its role as a strategic logistics vector, capable of transporting heavy pallets and ground crews in Europe. These logistical building blocks give the JASDF credible depth of action beyond the Indo-Pacific theater.
Signals sent to allies and NATO
The choice of the United Kingdom and Germany is based on political and operational logic. London is leading part of the GCAP program and has a bilateral legal framework that facilitates deployments. Germany offers a Typhoon environment and a base at the heart of NATO space, with units experienced in air policing missions. For the Alliance, the arrival of an Asian fighter force shows that “forward defense” is no longer conceived in terms of separate regions. The Indo-Pacific–Atlantic framework is embodied by crews, procedures, and refueling aircraft that could one day be called upon to join actual crisis management operations.
Expected operational lessons
In addition to ocean navigation, crews validate the psychophysiological endurance of long journeys with several jumps, the compatibility of survival equipment, the robustness of maintenance chains, and the quality of ground interfaces (tools, GSE, HAZMAT). Controllers and flight safety officers are assessing the adequacy of local rules with Japanese SOPs. Staff are collecting data on the optimal use of slots, aircraft fleet capacities, and refuel-to-mission in a European environment. In the short term, these lessons will result in updated manuals, harmonized checklists, and more ambitious campaign plans.
Strategic scope beyond 2025
This milestone lends credibility to more frequent JASDF presence at NATO bases, broadens the spectrum of cross-invitations, and prepares for mass transit scenarios (allied carrier strike groups, reinforcement corridors). It also fuels dialogue on connectivity (data links, encryption, COMSEC compatibility) and shared mission planning standards. Finally, it aligns perceptions: in Europe as in Asia, air defense is now thought of in terms of networks, with partners capable of traveling 10,000 to 15,000 km to operate, support each other, and exchange tactics within realistic timeframes.
What to watch for next
The German sequence should consolidate joint flights and procedural exchanges. The return to Japan will validate logistical symmetry (re-routing of parts and teams, refueling, post-deployment inspection). The staff will then publish a detailed RETEX (cycle time, service rate, weather and ATC constraints, cost per hour). Given the success of “Atlantic Eagles,” the possibility of extensions to other European bases or thematic missions (air defense, anti-aircraft defense, simulated SEAD) will become more plausible.
War Wings Daily is an independant magazine.