航空こうくう自衛隊じえいたいF15じゅうご戦闘せんとう機き 欧州おうしゅうに初はつ派遣はけん 連携れんけいの重要じゅうよう性せい強調きょうちょう

The F-15 fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which were dispatched to Europe for the first time, visited a German air force base, and the leaders of both sides emphasized the importance of cross-regional cooperation in terms of security.

Two F-15 fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Forces Chitose Base landed at the air force base in Laage, northeastern Germany, on the 23rd.

The F-15 fighter jets were dispatched to strengthen cooperation with various countries through defense exchanges, and after visiting the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, they visited Germany from the 14th of this month until the 1st of next month.

This is the first time that fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force have been dispatched to Europe or Canada. After being welcomed by the German Air Force, the personnel exchanged opinions and interacted with members of other units.

The German Air Force also released footage of training with the Eurofighter fighter jets, which serve as NATOs rapid response unit to monitor Eastern Europe.

Air Self-Defense Force Chief of Staff Yuhiro Morita, who is visiting the site, said, The security of Europe, the Atlantic, and the Indo-Pacific is indivisible and mutually connected.

I would like to further deepen defense cooperation and exchanges with Germany, he said.

The Chief of Staff of the German Air Force, Holger Neumann, said, We are united in our determination to work together to protect a rules-based society and democracy across regions such as Asia, Europe, and North America.

Ellie Polkamp, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank well-versed in security policies in Europe and Asia, commented on Germany’s intentions in welcoming the Air Self-Defense Force’s fighter jets: “The goal is to improve interoperability and deepen mutual understanding of each other’s tactics and capabilities.”

This visit by the Self-Defense Forces shows that the cooperation between our two countries is not just theoretical, but is filled with practical content, he said.

He also stated, Japan and Germany understand that current security cannot be viewed as limited to a specific region, and that Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected. He added that both countries see security in Europe, where Russias invasion of Ukraine continues, and in the Indo-Pacific, where China is increasing its hegemonic moves, as being linked.

One of the reasons Germany is seeking cooperation with Japan is the response of the Trump administration in the United States. It was pointed out that Germany is acutely aware of the unpredictable elements of the United States and is actively seeking new partners, and that Japan is a partner that shares the same values.

He stated, We share norms and standards and strive to maintain order based on rules, expressing his view that cooperation will continue to be emphasized in the future.

A Foreign Ministry official stated, Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, North Korea and Russia have engaged in military cooperation, and the situation in Europe is no longer just a distant issue for Japan and Asia.

On top of that, it states, Even under the Trump administration, the Japan-U.S. alliance remains the cornerstone, but this deployment is an important effort to build multilayered networks with allied nations and strengthen deterrence.

A Ministry of Defense official also pointed out, The invasion of Ukraine has heightened the sense of crisis in Europe, and it has come to be understood that Europe and the Indo-Pacific are inseparable in terms of security.

From late last month to early this month, the British Royal Navy aircraft carrier Prince of Wales called at Tokyo.

Before making port, joint exercises were conducted in the Western Pacific with the Self-Defense Forces and others. During this time, a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer carried out the mission of protection of weapons and other equipment, guarding British vessels such as aircraft carriers.

This mission was based on security-related legislation, and it was the first time for the British military.

In addition to the United Kingdom, ships from Spain and Norway also participated in the joint training.

In addition, since last year, as far as can be confirmed, the following joint training exercises have taken place in Japan and its surrounding areas: the Ground Self-Defense Force with the British and French armies; the Maritime Self-Defense Force with the navies of the UK, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, and France; and the Air Self-Defense Force with the air forces of Italy, Spain, Germany, and France.

In addition, in order to facilitate mutual visits between the Self-Defense Forces and other countries militaries, Japan has concluded a facilitation agreement with the United Kingdom that predetermines the handling of weapons and ammunition during joint training exercises. Furthermore, Japan has signed an ACSA Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement, which allows for the mutual provision of supplies such as food, fuel, and ammunition, with the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and France.