Japan’s Boeing super interceptor jet deal ‘likely to anger China’

Contract to upgrade F-15J fleet in line with Tokyo’s strengthening of its defence force with record budget

Analysts say the upgraded jets are unlikely to affect strategic balance but will add to the arms race in the region

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Japan has signed a deal with Boeing for the upgrade of its fleet of F-15J Eagle fighter jets. Photo: AFP

Published: 11:00am, 15 Jan 2022Updated: 12:26pm, 15 Jan 2022

The already strained ties between Beijing and Tokyo are set to worsen with the sealing of a deal for Boeing to upgrade Japan’s warplanes into “super interceptors”, analysts warn.

According to the US Defence Department, the contract was agreed in late December and involves the upgrade of the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) fleet of F-15J Eagles, which numbered 155 in service as of 2020.

The deal is in line with Japan’s more proactive posture in response to increasing regional tensions. Also in December, Japan approved a record 5.4 trillion yen (US$47 billion) defence budget that includes funding for research and development into a new fighter jet and other “game-changing” weapons.

The upgrade of the F-15J – a twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter – will include development of an integrated aircraft system to support modification of Japan’s F-15MJ aircraft into F-15 Super Interceptors. It will also deliver four weapons system trainers.

In addition, it will keep the Japanese fighters in step with the country’s growing fleet of next generation F-35 Lightning II stealth fighters, a more advanced jet capable of both air superiority and strike missions.

Japan has been increasingly vocal against China’s growing influence in the region and over issues such as Taiwan and Hong Kong.