Orbat - Japan Air Self Defence Force

Japan Air Self Defence Force/KOKU JIEITAI/Koku Bakuryoukanbu
Order of Battle

Other Air Forces

Japan Air Self Defence Force - Airbases

Airbases

On this page you can find the aircraft order of battle of the Japan Air Self Defence Force. If availabe, there is also a link under Airfield Guide to our own Scramble Airfield Guide of these airports, showing you all the spots.Of course, updates or photo's are always welcome. If you have corrections or additions please send them to us !

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The UH-60J Black Hawk has completely replaced the KV-107 with the Koku Kyunandan. Like its predecessor, all UH-60's were originaly delivered in these high visibility colours. Under the Koku Kyunandan badge on the cabin door is a white rectangular box with the unit or base name. Gradually, all Black Hawks are getting the blue colour scheme and loosing the unit name box in the proces, making it impossible to check their exact unit. Aircraft production seems to continue slowly, latest frames now capable of having a refueling probe connected. Mitsubishi has recently won a contract to produce an advanced UH-60, which will gradually replace the older model.

Hyakuri 6 April 2010, Hans Rolink

Akita (RJSK)

Rwy: 10/28
Pos: 39°36'56"N 140°13'07"E
Elev: 313 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Akita Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Koku Shien Shudan = Air Support Command (HQ Fuchu)
Koku Kyunandan = Air Rescue Wing (HQ Komaki)
Kyunantai = Air Rescue Squadron

The U-125A is the successor for the Mitsubishi MU-2 with the Koku Kyunandan. The first rescue variant was delivered in 1995 and low rate deliveries continue to date and about 27 had been delivered by early 2010. As with the yellow UH-60J, the unit or base name is given on the box below the Koku Kyunandan badge.

Hamamatsu 9 April 2010, Hans Rolink

Ashiya (RJFA)

Rwy: 12/30
Pos: 33°52'59"N 130°39'10"E
Elev: 98 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

13 Hiko Kyoikudan

1 Hikotai

T-4

2 Hikotai

T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Ashiya Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Koku Kyoiku Shudan = Air Training Command (HQ Hamamatsu)
Hiko Kyoikudan = Flying Training Wing
13 Hiko Kyoikudan has two Hikotai = Squadron, however no distinctive markings.

Chitose (RJCJ)

Rwy: 18L/36R, 18R/36L
Pos: 42°47'40"N 141°39'59"E
Elev: 89 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Hokubu Koku Homentai

2 Kokudan

201 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

203 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Tokubetsu Koku Yusodai

701 Hikotai

B747-47C

Koku Kyunandan

Chitose Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Koku Sotai = Air Defence Command (HQ Fuchu)
Hokubu Koku Homentai = Northern Air Defence Force (HQ Misawa)
Kokudan = Wing
Tokubetsu Koku Yusodai = Special Airlift Group (HQ Chitose)

T-4 201 Hikotai

Hyakuri, 21 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Fukuoka (RJFF)
Kasuga

Rwy: 16/34
Pos: 33°35'12"N 130°27'01"E
Elev: 32ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Seibu Koku Homentai

Seibu Koku Homentai Shireibu Shien Hikotai

T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Kasuga Herikoputa Kuuyutai

CH-47J

Seibu Koku Homentai = Western Air Defence Force (HQ Kasuga)
Shireibu Shien Hikotai = Headquarter Support Squadron
Herikoputa Kuuyutai = Heli Airlift Squadron

The JASDF Air Defence Command or Koku Sotai has divided its airspace geographically into four regions, each one parented by its own Air Defence Force HQ. The Western Air Defence Force Headquarter is located at Kasuga and its HQ Support Flight is at nearby Fukuoka Airport. As many as four T-4's are on strength, so hardly worth a visit by itself, however the military part also hosts a Heli Airlift Squadron with some CH-47J's.

Tsuiki 13 November 2008, Remco Broersma

Besides dedicated rescue helicopters and aircraft the Koku Kyunandan also operates sixteen CH-47J Chinook helicopters. The helo's are co-based with the four Air Defence Headquarters Support units at Misawa, Iruma, Kasuga and Naha and provide the JASDF with a VTOL transport capability.

Misawa, 5 April 2010, Hans Rolink

Gifu (RJNG)

Rwy: 10/28
Pos: 35°23'39"N 136°52'08"E
Elev: 128 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

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Koku Kaihatsu Jikken Shudan

Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan

C-1/C-1FTB
(X)C-2
F-2A/B
F-4EJ
F-15J/DJ
T-4
T-7

Overhaul facilities

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

Kawasaki Gifu

Overhaul on:
C-1
C-130H
E-2C
CH-47J
T-4

Koku Kaihatsu Jikken Shudan = Air Development and Test Command (HQ Iruma)

C-1FTB Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan

Gifu, 9 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

F-4EJ Kai Hiko Kaihatsu Jikken Dan

Gifu, 9 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Hamamatsu (RJNH)

Rwy: 09/27
Pos: 34°44'58"N 137°42'10"E
Elev: 150 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

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Koku Sotai

Keikai Kokutai

Hiko Keikai Kanseita

E-767

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

1 Kokudan

31 Kyoiku Hikotai

T-4

32 Kyoiku Hikotai

T-4

Hiko Kyoiku Kokutai

1 Jyutsuka Gakko

Temporary instructional aircraft:
F-2A/B
F-15J
T-4
T-7

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Hamamatsu Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Keikai Kokutai = Airborne Early Warning Group (HQ Fuchu)
Hiko Keikai Kanseita = Air Warning Control Squadron

Hiko Kyoiku Kokutai = Air Training Group (HQ Nyutabaru)
Jyutsuka Gakko = Technical School

In superb visibility conditions, it is possible to capture 1 Kokudan T-4's at homebase Hamamatsu with Japans most famous landmark, Mt. Fuji in the background. This example is on strength of 31 Kyoiku Hikotai, as indicated by the blue line under the black/yellow checkers.

Hamamatsu, Marcel J. van Bielder

Hofu (RJOF)

Rwy: 01/19, 12/30
Pos: 34°02'04"N 131°32'47"E
Elev: 7 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

12 Hiko Kyoikudan

1 Hikotai

T-7

2 Hikotai

T-7

12 Hiko Kyoikudan has two Hikotai, however no distinctive markings.

T-7 12 Hiko Kyoikudan

Hofu, 13 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Hyakuri (RJAH)

Rwy: 03L/21R, 03R/21L
Pos: 36°10'54"N 140°24'53"E
Elev: 107 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Chubu Koku Homentai

7 Kokudan

302 Hikotai

F-4EJ
T-4

305 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Sotai

Teisatsu Kokutai

501 Hikotai

RF-4E
RF-4EJ
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Hyakuri Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Chubu Koku Homentai = Central Air Defence Force (HQ Iruma)
Teisatsu Kokutai = Air Recce. Group (HQ Hyakuri)

Beginning 2009, 302 Hikotai moved from Naha to Hyakuri, making it the place to be for Spook lovers. Only two front line units are operating the fighter variant, 301 Hikotai at Nyutabaru being the other. The bird badge of 302 is a very stylised representation of the Hikotai number, head and body being the '3', the white tail '0' and the blue wings the '2'.

Hyakuri November 2008, Marcel J. van Bielder

Beside the obvious exceptions, being the training units, normally a hikotai has three T-4's for liaison duties. Notable exceptions are 301 and 302 Hikotai, equiped with the F-4EJ Phantom with upto eight T-4's on strength.

Hyakuri, Marcel J. van Bielder

Fourteen RF-4E's were delivered in 1975 and 1976. Two have been lost in accidents since. In addition to the remaining RF-4E's seventeen surplus F-4EJ's have been converted for the reconnaissance role. These aircraft lack the typical recce nose but can carry three different pods for a variety of recce tasks. RF-4E 57-6906 on this picture was last seen active November 2007 and then disappeared from view. It resurfaced August 2010 as a gate guard at Hyakuri in full 501 Hikotai markings including sharkmouth.

Hyakuri, Marcel J. van Bielder

Iruma (RJTJ)

Rwy: 17/36
Pos: 35°50'30"N 139°24'36"E
Elev: 299 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai

Sotai Shireibu Hikotai

Shien Hikotai

T-4
U-4

Denshisen Shientai

EC-1
YS-11EA

Denshi Hiko Sokuteitai

YS-11EB

Koku Shien Shudan

2 Yuso Kokutai

402 Hikotai

C-1
U-4

Tokubetsu Koku Yusodai

Hiko Tenkentai

YS-11FC
U-125

Koku Kyunandan

Iruma Herikoputa Kuuyutai

CH-47J

Sotai Shireibu Hikotai = Defence Command Headquarter Squadron
Shien Hikotai = Support Squadron
Denshisen Shientai = Electronic Countermeasure Squadron
Denshi Hiko Sokuteitai = Electronic Intelligence Squadron

Yuso Kokutai = Tactical Airlift Group
Hiko Tenkentai = Flight Check Squadron

Thirtyone locally developed Kawasaki C-1's were delivered to the JASDF between 1971 and 1981. Once serving three squadrons being 401 Hikotai at Komaki, 402 Hikotai at Iruma and 403 Hikotai at Miho, the type is now only in use with the latter two after 401 Hikotai converted to the C-130H of which sixteen are in use now.

Nyutabaru, Marcel J. van Bielder

YS-11 Hiko Tenkentai

Atsugi, 19 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Kanazawa/Komatsu (RJNK)

Rwy: 06/24
Pos: 36°23'38"N 136°24'27"E
Elev: 22ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Chubu Koku Homentai

6 Kokudan

303 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

306 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Komatsu Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

F-15J 303 Hikotai

Komatsu, 16 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

F-15J 306 Hikotai

Komatsu, 16 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

T-4 306 Hikotai

Komatsu, 16 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Matsushima (RJST)

Rwy: 07/25, 15/33
Pos: 38°24'19"N 141°13'07"E
Elev: 7 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

4 Kokudan

11 Hikotai (Blue Impulse)

T-4

21 Hikotai

F-2B
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Matsushima Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Due to the impact of the tsunami, Matsushima is for the moment used for tsunami relief flights.
The Blue Impulse is operating from Ashiya, 21 Hikotai from Misawa.
The entire complement of the local SAR flight was probably written off.

Miho (RJOH)

Rwy: 07/25
Pos: 35°29'32"N 133°14'11"E
Elev: 20 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Shien Shudan

3 Yuso Kokutai

403 Hikotai

C-1
YS-11P
YS-11NT

41 Kyoiku Hikotai

T-400

Thirteen NAMC YS11's are operated in a wide variety of roles. The YS-11EA, of which two are in use, is in service as an ECM/EW trainer, four YS11EL's have ELINT tasks, two YS11FC's serve as flight checkers, one YS11NT is a navigation trainer while the remainder are still configured for transport duties and among these is this 403 Hikotai aircraft.

Miho, 15 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

T-400 41 Kyoiku Hikotai

Miho, 15 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Misawa (RJSM)
NAF

Rwy: 10/28
Pos: 40°42'11"N 141°22'06"E
Elev: 119 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai

Keikai Kokutai

Hiko Keikai Kanshitai

E-2C

Koku Sotai/Hokubu Koku Homentai

Hokubu Shien Hikohan

T-4

3 Kokudan

3 Hikotai

F-2A
F-2B
T-4

8 Hikotai

F-2A
F-2B
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Misawa Herikoputa Kuuyutai

CH-47J

Hiko Keikai Kanshitai = Air Warning Surveillance Squadron
Hokubu Shien Hikohan = Northern HQ Support Flight

From 1983 till 1998 the E-2C Hawkeye was the sole AEW platform in the JASDF. Thirteen aircraft were ordered between 1983 and 1994 initially serving the 601 Hikotai at Misawa before the unit was redesignated into the Hiko Keikai Kanshitai on 31 March 2005. The type has been augmented by four E-767's which entered service in 1998 and 1999. The E-767's are based at Hamamatsu. This unit was also redesignated and since 31 March 2005 it is referred to as the Hiko Keikai Kanseita.

Marcel J. van Bielder

T-4 Hokubu Shien Hikohan

Misawa, 6 April 2009, Menno Teunisse

F-2B 3 Hikotai

Misawa, 6 April 2009, Hans Rolink

T-4 8 Hikotai

Misawa, 6 April 2009, Menno Teunisse

Nagoya (RJNA)
Komaki AB

Rwy: 16/34
Pos: 35°15'18"N 136°55'28"E
Elev: 46 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Shien Shudan

1 Yuso Kokutai

401 Hikotai

C-130H

404 Hikotai

KC-767

Koku Kyunandan

Kyunan Kyoikutai

UH-60J
U-125A

Overhaul facilities

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Mitsubishi Komaki

Overhaul on:
F-2A/B
F-4EJ
RF-4E/EJ
F-15J/DJ
UH-60J

C-130H 401 Hikotai

Atsugi, 8 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Naha (ROAH)

Rwy: 18/36
Pos: 26°11'45"N 127°38'45"E
Elev: 12 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Nansei Koku Konseidan

Nansei Shien Hikohan

T-4

83 Kokutai

204 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Naha Herikoputa Kuuyutai

CH-47J

Naha Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Nansei Koku Konseidan = South West Composite Air Division (HQ Naha)

Captured at its former homebase Hyakuri, 204 Hikotai swopped places with 302 Hikotai beginning 2009 and is now defending the skies over Okinawa. Normal complement for a Hikotai is two or three duals, exceptions being the Eagle units at Nyutabaru.

Hyakuri, Marcel J. van Bielder

Niigata (RJSN)

Rwy: 04/22, 10/28
Pos: 37°57'20"N 139°06'42"E
Elev: 29 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Niigata Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

The UH-60J in the blue colours unfortunately lack the exact unit or base name below the Koku Kyunandan badge on the cabin doors, therefore not all units in the database will be correct. A visiting UH-60 tends to go in the books as belonging to the local SAR-unit. The last four helicopters produced are capable to be fitted with a refueling probe and two of this version are operating from Naha, Okinawa.

Hamamatsu 9 April 2010, Hans Rolink

For many spotters the main reason to visit Nyutabaru are the colourful agressor Eagles of the Hiko Kyodotai. However, they often deploy to other airbases to train with the local units so you might end up with no agressors at all.

Nyutabaru, Marcel J. van Bielder

Nyutabaru (RJFN)

Rwy: 10/28
Pos: 32°05'01"N 131°27'06"E
Elev: 259 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai

Keikai Kokutai

Hiko Kyodotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Sotai/Seibu Koku Homentai

5 Kokudan

301 Hikotai

F-4EJ
T-4

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

Hiko Kyoiku Kokutai

23 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Koku Shien Shudan

Koku Kyunandan

Nyutabaru Kyunantai

UH-60J
U-125A

Hiko Kyodotai = Tactical Fighter Training Squadron

The agressors change their feathers regularly, the better known camo pattern, albeit with different colours replaced the more unconventional ones of a few years ago. Normally five or six Eagles are seen active, the remainder on some sort of maintenance.

Nyutabaru, Marcel J. van Bielder

A F-4EJ Kai Phantom formation of 301 Hikotai, departing from its home base Nyutabaru. Usually, flying activity is very good at Nyuta, having three based Hikotais. On a good day, more than twenty different Phantoms can be seen, although the number of active aircraft in the JASDF is dwindling.

Nyutabaru 28 October 2009, Tony Roper

Tsuiki (RJFZ)

Rwy: 07/25
Pos: 33°41'06"N 131°02'25"E
Elev: 55 ft

Airfield Guide

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Sotai/Seibu Koku Homentai

8 Kokudan

6 Hikotai

F-2A
F-2B
T-4

304 Hikotai

F-15J
F-15DJ
T-4

Probably the most famous photo spot at Tsuiki, the quay, where this 6 Hikotai F-2A was captured. 6 Hikotai was the second frontline unit to transition to the F-2, unfortunately withdrawing the Mitsubishi F-1/T-2. In adverse weather conditions, getting the serials of the F-2 can be quite challenging.

Tsuiki 29 October 2009, Tony Roper

This 304 Hikotai Eagle is also captured at the quay, a perfect place to take photographs because almost all traffic, beit landing or departing has to pass this spot. Unfortunately, the hangar and platform area is not visible, so number crunchers should better go to the other runway-end, where a spectator area is located. From this point you have the possibility to get the aircraft in the alert barns, that is when the doors are open, and for the best apron view it is necessary to go even further to the East.

Tsuiki 29 October 2009, Tony Roper

Utsunomiya (RJTU)

Rwy: 01/19
Pos: 36°30'52"N 139°52'15"E
Elev: 334 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Overhaul facilities

Fuji Heavy Industries

Fuji Utsunomiya

Overhaul on:
T-7
U-125
U-125A

U-125 Hiko Tenkentai

Kanoya, 11 April 2010, Menno Teunisse

Yaizu/Shizuhama (RJNY)

Rwy: 09/27
Pos: 34°48'46"N 138°17'53"E
Elev: 23 ft

Google Maps

Squadron

Aircraft Type(s)

Badge

Koku Kyoiku Shudan

11 Hiko Kyoikudan

1 Hikotai

T-7

2 Hikotai

T-7

11 Hiko Kyoikudan has two Hikotai however no distinctive markings. The aircraft have either red or blue tail stripes, indicating which of the two maintenance squads is responsible for a particular aircraft.

11 Hiko Kyoikudan or Flying Training Wing was the last unit to fly with the T-3, the predecessor of the T-7,in the training role. Some T-3's kept on flying at Gifu till April 2007. With the T-3, half of the Wings aircraft had yellow propellor spinners, the other half red. This changed with the T-7, they have either red or blue stripes on the tail.

Shizuhama 20 November 2008, Joost de Bruin

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