F-15J Eagle
Fighter / 51,000 lbf / 68,000 lbs / Twin Jet
Year: Introduced 1981 (Japan Air Self-Defense Force)
Role: Air superiority fighter
Crew: 1
Engine: 2 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 or -220 afterburning turbofans
Thrust: Up to 29,000 lbf (129 kN) each with afterburner
Top Speed: Mach 2.5+ (~1,875 mph / 3,017 km/h at altitude)
Combat Range: ~1,061 mi (1,708 km)
Ferry Range: ~3,450 mi (5,550 km) with drop tanks
Service Ceiling: 65,000 ft (19,812 m)
Rate of Climb: ~50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
Empty Weight: ~28,000 lbs (12,700 kg)
Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): ~68,000 lbs (30,844 kg)
Length: 63.8 ft (19.45 m)
Wingspan: 42.8 ft (13.05 m)
Armament: 1× 20mm M61 Vulcan, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Mitsubishi AAM-3, AAM-4, AAM-5
The F-15J is Japan’s license-built variant of the American F-15C Eagle, produced by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and introduced into Japan Air Self-Defense Force service in 1981. Designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, it retains the Eagle’s powerful twin-engine performance, advanced radar, and long-range capabilities, while being tailored to Japan’s defense needs. Armed initially with AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles alongside a 20mm Vulcan cannon, the fleet has since been modernized into the F-15J Kai standard, capable of employing AIM-120 AMRAAM and Japan’s domestic AAM-3, AAM-4, and AAM-5 missiles. With over 150 built, the F-15J remains the backbone of Japan’s air defense, combining the proven combat heritage of the Eagle with continuous upgrades to meet modern threats.
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