ASDF F-2s conduct overseas joint training with U.S. F-16s for first time

   Eight Air Self-Defense Force F-2 fighter jets based at the ASDF Misawa Air Base (Aomori Pref.) are taking part in joint training exercises with U.S. Air Force F-16s that are tasked with engaging in nuclear strikes. They will conduct exercises in Guam until July 4.

   This is the first time for ASDF F-2s, state-of-the-art fighter jets jointly developed by Japan and the U.S., to take part in overseas training exercises. Two Misawa-based ASDF E2C Airborne Early Warning aircraft are also participating in the exercises.

   Participating from the U.S. are 18 Air Force F-16s of the 522nd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 27th Fighter Wing based at the Cannon Air Force Base in New Mexico.

   For five months in 2005, 14 nuclear-capable F-16s from the 523rd Squadron, also based at the Cannon Air Base, were deployed to the U.S. Misawa Air Base.

   The recent joint training exercises in Guam show the extent of cooperation between U.S. units tasked with nuclear strikes and the ASDF.

- Akahata, June 26, 2007