I'm not precisely sure what Japan wants the F-22s are for - to replace the F-4Js, or the F-15Js?


Let's assume that the F-22s replace the Eagles.

So this is your new JASDF fleet in the year 2015:


F-22J (100) (replaces F-15s)
Eurofighter Typhoon (80) (replaces F-4s)
F-2 (94)


That's only 274 fighters, a pretty small number. Japan could opt to build more F-2s (perhaps up to 130 as planned originally,) purchase more Raptors/Eurofighters, or even opt to keep the Eagles and upgrade them for a very long lifespan.



My ideal JASDF would be:


F-22J (100)..............(a cadre for air defense of the Japanese homeland)
Eurofighter Typhoon (80)...............(strike aircraft with air defense capabilities)
F-2 (230)..............(multi-mission fighter)


Total: 410 fighters.

Mecha and little girls with telekinesis.

Japan is downsizing its fleet of tactical aircrafts while increasing the number of support aircrafts such as the KC-767 tanker in order to achieve maximum effectiveness of fighter wings without having a larger fighter fleet. Too many aircraft means difficulty in training pilots and support personals, not to mention difficulty in getting the budget for upgrades to stay up-to-date.

Japan has an on-going upgrade program for the F-15Js that will keep the fleet afloat for about 10 more years. About 100 F-15Js will take the MSIP-J update that will make it comparable to USAF MSIP-2 upgrade F-15Cs I believe. Upgrade includes acquisition of APG-63(v)1 radar (same the one currently in use with F-15K) and integration of Link-16 modem for more effective data-fusion. Integration of AAM-4 has also been discussed I believe.

Production of 94 F-2s have been confirmed. Since the JASDF turned the F-2C/D down, the program will be concluded at that number I think.

Acqusition of F-22 will not be possible in the near future. I'm thinking beyond 2015 at least. Japan will probably have to acquire an alternative fighter to replace the F-4EJ-K. Since maritime strike capability, as well as air-defense capability is being looked at, I think the F-15E varient or the FA-18E/F is the likely candidate. Typhoon has good air-defense capability, but it has been liken to "a Ferrari with 20 liter gas tank". Japan does not have enough tankers to support these aircrafts. My pick would be the FA-18E Super Hornet.

So by 2015, I am assuming the following for the JASDF;

100 F-15J (primary air-defense fighter, replacement being considered)
94 F-2A/B (strike aircraft)
80 F/A-18E (striker/air-defense multirole)

For a total of ~270 to 280 tactical aircrafts. These aircrafts will be supported by 4 E-767, 13 E-2C, 8 KC-767 and a variety of intelligence aircrafts of JASDF and JMSDF.