A 'nationwide first' practice from Japan
Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) fighter jets have conducted landing and takeoff exercises at a civilian airport for the first time.
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As part of the biennial "Defense of Japan" exercises, the ASDF used civilian airports across the country for the first time.
Accordingly, civilian airports were chosen for the first time under a scenario where "ASDF bases become unusable" in the event of a potential enemy attack.
Four F-2 fighter jets from the Tsuiki Air Base in the southwestern Fukuoka prefecture landed at the nearby Oita Airport and taxied to the apron.
The F-2s, which refueled from a commercial tanker in a manner similar to a standard passenger aircraft at the airport, took off again two hours later.
It was reported that 4 F-15 fighter jets also participated in the landing and takeoff exercises at Tokunoshima Airport in Kagoshima, located in the south.
The ASDF plans to conduct similar landing and takeoff exercises at Okayama Airport and Amami Airport later this week.
The exercises were organized within the scope of the "use of civilian air and sea ports in emergencies," which was recorded in the three national doctrines updated last year.
'COUNTERATTACK'
The Japanese government announced in December 2022 that it had updated three national doctrines: the "National Security Strategy, National Defense Program Guidelines, and Medium-Term Defense Program."
In line with the updated national doctrines, China was characterized as the "greatest strategic challenge," while North Korea was described as a "more serious and imminent threat than ever before."
It was noted that "Japan would not be able to cope with a situation where countries like China and North Korea significantly replenish their missile stockpiles solely through missile defense."
Regarding capacity margins, it was recorded that "there is a need for Japan to acquire the capability to conduct effective counterattacks on enemy territory as a minimum self-defense measure."
In accordance with the doctrine, in an emergency, Japan will be able to acquire military capabilities that include the possibility of "direct counterattacks on the territory of another country" to deter attacks.