Japanese Phantoms
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is one of the last operators of the F-4 Phantom II. As time marches on for these classic fighters, Rich Cooper takes a look at the current drawdown plans ahead of final retirement and transition to the F-35 Lightning II.
With high operational intensity, large squadrons, bright squadron markings, a penchant for dramatic special schemes and with in-country photography tolerated within security limits, it’s easy to see why Japan’s Phantoms have an ardent following.
The F-4 Phantom II was first delivered to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) in 1971, yet has never deployed outside the country and, for the last two years, all remaining operational ‘Rhinos’ have been concentrated at Hyakuri Air Base, a short drive northeast of Tokyo. As F-35 transition forges ahead, and Phantom retirement looms, it’s little wonder these slab-sided brutes are of great interest to the enthusiast community.
’Spook’ structure
The JASDF received 140 F-4EJs and 14 RF-4Es. All but two of the F-4EJs were produced by Mitsubishi in Japan (after McDonnell Douglas built the initial pair), and the RF-4Es were purchased direct from the US manufacturer. The first F-4EJs entered servic…
