In a significant escalation of defense collaboration, Japan has dispatched fighter jets to NATO bases across the United States and Canada, with further deployments planned for the United Kingdom and Germany as part of Operation “Atlantic Eagles.” This operation marks a notable shift in Japan’s military engagement on the global stage.
The deployment comprises approximately 180 personnel along with eight aircraft, including four F-15 fighter jets from the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, two C-2 transporters, and a blend of aerial refueling capabilities with one KC-767 and one KC-46A tanker aircraft. The current phase of the mission will take place between September 14 and October 1, focusing on strengthening defense ties based on the understanding that security in the Euro-Atlantic region is closely linked to that of the Indo-Pacific.
Key locations slated for visits include Eielson Air Force Base in the United States, Goose Bay in Canada, Laage Air Base in Germany, and the Royal Air Force bases at Coningsby and Brize Norton in the UK. The units have already completed their stops in the U.S. and Canada.
The introduction of this military cooperation was disclosed during a recent bilateral Defense Ministerial Meeting between British Defense Minister John Healey and Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani in Tokyo last month. The operations underscore a historic moment for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, which expressed gratitude through a social media message for hosting its F-15s in Canada for the first time in its 71-year history.
Japan’s increased military activity is largely motivated by strategic concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has broad implications for regional stability. With reports of Russia potentially drawing on North Korean troops, Iranian drones, and support from China, Japan’s long-standing historical tensions with Moscow, dating back to events such as the Russo-Japanese War and World War II, contribute to its apprehension.
The deployment signifies a dramatic pivot from Japan’s postwar pacifist policies, as it not only engages in NATO joint exercises but also opened its first mission to the alliance earlier this year. In conjunction with the Atlantic Eagles operation, Japanese forces are currently participating in joint military drills with U.S. troops, which run from September 11 to 25. This exercise includes the introduction of the Typhon missile system onto Japanese soil, a move that has drawn criticism from Beijing.
As Japan deepens its military cooperation with NATO allies, the implications for regional security and international relations continue to evolve, reflecting a world increasingly defined by interconnected defense imperatives.
