3 Key Points: The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $450.5 million contract to upgrade Japan’s F-15 fleet as part of its F-15J Super Interceptor program.
-This initiative will equip 68 F-15Js with advanced systems like the APG-82(v)1 AESA radar and AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Warning Survivability System, enhancing Japan’s ability to counter threats from China and North Korea. The upgrades include the addition of AGM-158B JASSM-ER missiles, giving Japan long-range strike capabilities.
-This modernization effort underscores Japan’s commitment to strengthening its aerial defenses amid rising geopolitical tensions, bolstering its alliance with the U.S. and strategic positioning in the Indo-Pacific.
Japan’s F-15 Super Interceptor Program: A Game-Changer for Regional Defense
The U.S. Air Force recently awarded Boeing a multi-million-dollar contract to support Japan’s F-15 Super Interceptor Program. As part of this arrangement, the service introduces several capabilities currently being fielded on the F-15EX Eagle II platform.
The $450.5 million contract encompasses a host of systems, including the Raytheon APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, the BAE Systems AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Warning Survivability System.
Once Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) acquires these updated Interceptors, it will be better equipped to confront potential looming threats from China and North Korea.
As described by the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, these jets will represent “a new Japan emerging” once introduced to service.
A brief overview of the F-15
The American-made F-15 Eagle remains a fan favorite among military experts and aviation buffs alike. While this platform may be technically less superior to newer fifth-generation platforms like the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II, the mighty fighter still holds its own in terms of speed and armament power.
The Eagle’s unmatched maneuverability, weapons, avionics, range and acceleration has made the platform relevant over the years. The F-15J Japan Super Interceptor Program represents just one of the latest offshoot Eagle variants.
F-15J Image: Creative Commons.
Japan’s Super Interceptor program was initiated back in 2019. However, rising costs, a switch to a newer electronic warfare system, and other budgetary constraints put the program in a holding pattern. In 2022, resources were again allocated to this Super Interceptor Program. As part of the upgrade package, 68 of Japan’s existing F-15s will be equipped with these new capabilities- roughly half of its F-15J fleet.
According to World Air Forces 2024, Japan currently fields 155 single-seater F-15J and 44 two-seater F-15DJ jets in service.
Although the new Super Interceptor will appear similar to the Strike Eagle-based Advanced Eagle series of the platform, the Japanese variant will be a lighter interceptor as it is designed primarily off the F-15C/D.
Japan will procure 50 AGM-158B JASSM-ER (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile-Extended Range) as part of the Super Interceptor package. The addition of this formidable weapon will provide JASDF with a long-range land-strike capability. With a range of roughly 1,000 kilometers, Japan will be able to contend with a growing Chinese threat more effectively. Specifically, Japan will be able to strike high-value targets deep within enemy territory while evading enemy air defenses.
As mentioned earlier, the F-15 JSI will also have a new AESA radar. The AN/APG-82(v)1 radar is developed from the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar of the F-15 and the APG-79 AESA radar of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
A Japanese Air Self Defense Forces F-15’s flies alongside a U.S. Air Force KC-135 from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, Kadena Air Base, after being refueled during air refueling training July 30. The training is in preparation for JASDF participation in Red Flag Alaska this year.
(U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Angelique Perez)
As detailed by The Aviationist, this radar “allows to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges compared to mechanical radars, facilitating persistent target observation and information sharing for a better decision-making process.”
As geopolitical tensions across the globe continue to escalate, Japan and its allies are looking to beef up defenses.
Introducing the F-15 Super Interceptor will undoubtedly contribute to Tokyo’s overall aerial strategy in any potential future conflict.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin, a Senior Editor for 19FortyFive, is an analyst with the Center for Security Policy and a former Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. She has by-lines in many publications, including The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. You can follow her on Twitter: @MayaCarlin.
