Japan has sent fighter jets to NATO bases in the US and Canada, followed by the UK and Germany, as part of Operation “Atlantic Eagles.”
The deployment includes around 180 personnel and eight aircraft: four of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s F-15 fighter jets, two C-2 transporters, as well as one KC-767 and one KC-46A aerial refueling tanker and transport aircraft.
Tokyo’s visit from September 14 to October 1 will focus on enhancing defense cooperation with its counterparts, based on the recognition that “the security of the Euro-Atlantic and of the Indo-Pacific are interconnected.”
The itinerary includes the US’ Eielson Air Force Base, Canada’s Goose Bay, Germany’s Laage Air Base, and Britain’s RAF Coningsby and Brize Norton, with stops in the US and Canada already completed.
This unprecedented development was first announced during the bilateral Defence Ministerial Meeting between British Defense Minister John Healey and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani in Tokyo last month.
🇺🇸🇨🇦🇯🇵🇬🇧🇩🇪 Thank you 🇨🇦Goose bay for hosting us!#JASDF #F15 s have arrived in 🇨🇦 for the first time in its 71 years history since foundation. JASDF will continue deepening the cooperation with @Cdn_AirForce to contribute to the regional peace and stability.🇨🇦🤝🇯🇵 #AtlanticEagles pic.twitter.com/urcJ0URVU9
— Japan Air Self-Defense Force (@JASDF_PAO_ENG) September 17, 2025
Strategic Concerns
Tokyo is wary of the Ukraine war’s ripple effects in Asia, with Russia drawing on North Korean troops, Iranian drones, and Chinese support. Moreover, its long history with Moscow — from the Russo-Japanese War to World War 2 — adds weight to its concerns.
The move also underscores how far Japan has shifted from its postwar pacifist stance, as it joins NATO drills and opened its first mission to the alliance this year.
Alongside this deployment, Japanese forces are also participating in a joint military drill with US troops from September 11 to 25.
It has involved the unveiling of the Typhon missile system for the first time on Japanese soil during the exercises, a move that drew Beijing’s criticism.
