F-15 J and MHI F-2 A aircraft making their landing approach after a flypast over the airbase.

F-15 and F-2 aircraft making their landing approach after a flypast over the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Gifu Air Base. MHI F-2 A ; 33-8523 / 523 SN ; M1023 Mitsubishi F-15 J Eagle 941 / 32-8941 Landing approach to the JASDF Gifu airbase Japan Air Self Defense Force / JASDF ; Gifu Airbase Air Development and Test Command Air Development and Test Wing / ADTW This is an F-15 manufactured under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, based on a license granted by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). MHI ; Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Sony α7SⅡ With Sony FE 70-200mm F4 G OSS The telephoto setting is 200mm. 19 May 2026 #airforce #airbase #f15 #f15eagle #landing #jasdf Personal Perspective on the MHI F-2 ; Momentum was building in Japan for the independent development of a fighter jet, and both Defense Agency officials and engineers were prepared to undertake the challenge. However, due to the need to resolve Japan-US trade friction and American interest in Mitsubishi’s established carbon-fiber molding technology for airframe components, political pressure led to a joint Japan-US development project. Although the circumstances differed, Japan was also involved in the design of the Boeing 767 during this period as part of a cooperative effort with the US. As an island nation, Japan required an aircraft with twin engines for safe operation. While the F-15 and F/A-18 were considered as potential platforms, the F-16 was ultimately selected due to its future potential, cost considerations, and General Dynamics' willingness to cooperate. During development, General Dynamics engineers traveled to Nagoya for joint design work; however, US government directives severely restricted technology disclosure. Consequently, Mitsubishi engineers took the lead in developing the radar and flight control systems, as well as reviewing and re-issuing all airframe blueprints. They independently executed major redesigns—such as enlarging the carbon-molded main wings and altering the canopy shape—and developed the fly-by-wire (FBW) system entirely in-house. A technical leader at Mitsubishi later recalled that the FBW technology established during the earlier MHI T-2 CCV experimental aircraft project proved advantageous for the F-2 development. He noted that relying on an overseas company would have likely resulted in significant difficulties, including delays in design changes and an inability to effectively troubleshoot issues. Although the initial plan included canards, data analysis from the T-2 CCV experiments indicated that CCV capabilities could be achieved without them by utilizing the FBW system, leading to the decision to abandon the canard concept. Thanks to the developers' efforts, the project successfully met its initial objective of carrying four anti-ship missiles.