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Combat aviation and air defense of the "Land of the Rising Sun". Japanese Air Force Japanese Combat Aircraft

The twentieth century was a period of intensive development of military aviation in many European countries. The reason for the appearance was the need of states for air and missile defense of economic and political centers. The development of combat aviation was observed not only in Europe. The twentieth century is a time of building up the power of the Air Force, which also sought to protect itself, strategic and state-important facilities.

How it all began? Japan in 1891-1910

In 1891, the first flying machines were launched in Japan. These were models using rubber motors. Over time, a larger one was created, in the design of which there was a drive and a pushing screw. But this product of the Japanese Air Force was not interested. The birth of aviation took place in 1910, after the acquisition of Farman and Grande aircraft.

1914 First air battle

The first attempts to use Japanese combat aircraft were made in September 1914. At this time, the army of the Land of the Rising Sun, together with England and France, opposed the Germans stationed in China. A year before these events, the Japanese Air Force acquired two two-seat Nieuport NG aircraft and one three-seat Nieuport NM aircraft of 1910 for training purposes. Soon these air units began to be used for battles. The Japanese Air Force in 1913 had at its disposal four Farman aircraft, which were designed for reconnaissance. Over time, they began to be used to deliver air strikes against the enemy.

In 1914, German aircraft attacked the fleet in Tsingatao. Germany at that time used one of its best aircraft - the Taub. During this military campaign, Japanese Air Force aircraft made 86 sorties and dropped 44 bombs.

1916-1930 years. Activities of manufacturing companies

At this time, the Japanese companies "Kawasaki", "Nakajima" and "Mitsubishi" are developing a unique flying boat "Yokoso". Since 1916, Japanese manufacturers have been creating designs for the best aircraft models in Germany, France and England. This state of affairs continued for fifteen years. Since 1930, companies have been producing aircraft for the Japanese Air Force. Today, this state is among the ten most powerful armies in the world.

Domestic developments

By 1936, the first aircraft were designed by the Japanese manufacturing firms Kawasaki, Nakajima and Mitsubishi. The Japanese Air Force already possessed domestically produced G3M1 and Ki-21 twin-engine bombers, Ki-15 reconnaissance aircraft and A5M1 fighters. In 1937, the conflict between Japan and China flared up again. This entailed the privatization by Japan of large industrial enterprises and the restoration of state control over them.

Japanese Air Force. Command organization

The Headquarters is the head of the Japanese Air Force. He is in charge of:

  • combat support;
  • aviation;
  • communications;
  • educational;
  • security team;
  • test;
  • hospital;
  • counterintelligence department of the Japanese Air Force.

The combat strength of the Air Force is represented by combat, training, transport and special aircraft and helicopters.

Aviation of Japan in the Second World War. Part one: Aichi, Yokosuka, Kawasaki Andrey Firsov

The origin and pre-war development of Japanese aviation

Back in April 1891, one enterprising Japanese Chihachi Ninomiya successfully launched models with a rubber motor. He later designed a large model driven by a clockwork on a pusher screw. The model flew successfully. But the Japanese army showed little interest in her, and Ninomiya abandoned his experiments.

On December 19, 1910, Farman's and Grande's planes made their first flights in Japan. Thus began the era of heavier-than-air aircraft in Japan. A year later, one of the first Japanese pilots, Captain Tokigwa, designed an improved version of Farmayaa, which was built by the aeronautical unit in Nakano near Tokyo, and which became the first aircraft produced in Japan.

Following the acquisition of several types of foreign aircraft and the release of their improved copies, in 1916 the first aircraft of the original design was built - the Yokoso-type flying boat, designed by First Lieutenant Chikuhem Nakajima and Second Lieutenant Kishichi Magoshi.

The big three of the Japanese aviation industry - Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Kawasaki - began their activities in the late 1910s. Mitsubishi and Kawasaki were previously heavy industries, and Nakajima was backed by the powerful Mitsui family.

Over the next fifteen years, these firms produced exclusively foreign-designed aircraft - mainly French, British and German designs. At the same time, Japanese specialists were trained and trained at enterprises and in higher engineering schools in the United States. However, by the early 1930s, the Japanese army and navy came to the conclusion that it was time for the aviation industry to stand on its own feet. It was decided that in the future only aircraft and engines of our own design would be accepted into service. This, however, did not stop the practice of purchasing foreign aircraft to get acquainted with the latest technical innovations. The basis for the development of Japan's own aviation was the creation in the early 30s of aluminum production facilities, which made it possible by 1932 to produce 19 thousand tons annually. "winged metal".

By 1936, this policy gave certain results - the Japanese independently designed the Mitsubishi Ki-21 and SZM1 twin-engine bombers, the Mitsubishi Ki-15 reconnaissance aircraft, the Nakajima B51Ch1 carrier-based bomber and the Mitsubishi A5M1 carrier-based fighter - all equivalent or even superior to foreign models.

Starting in 1937, as soon as the "second Sino-Japanese conflict" broke out, the Japanese aviation industry closed the veil of secrecy and dramatically increased the production of aircraft. In 1938, a law was passed requiring state control over all aviation companies with a capital of more than three million yen, the government controlled production plans, technology and equipment. The law protected such companies - they were exempted from taxes on profits and capital, and their export obligations were guaranteed.

In March 1941, the aviation industry received another impetus in its development - the imperial fleet and army decided to expand orders to a number of companies. The Japanese government could not provide funds for the expansion of production, but guaranteed the provision of loans by private banks. Moreover, the navy and army, which had production equipment at their disposal, rented it out to various aviation firms, depending on their own needs. However, army equipment was not suitable for the production of naval products and vice versa.

During the same period, the army and navy established standards and procedures for accepting all types of aviation materials. A staff of technicians and inspectors oversaw production and compliance with standards. These officers also exercised control over the management of firms.

If you look at the dynamics of production in the Japanese aircraft industry, it can be noted that from 1931 to 1936 the production of aircraft increased three times, and from 1936 to 1941 - four times!

With the outbreak of the Pacific War, these Army and Navy services also participated in production expansion programs. Since the fleet and the army issued orders independently, the interests of the parties sometimes clashed. What was missing was interaction, and, as you might expect, the complexity of production from this only increased.

Already in the second half of 1941, problems with the supply of materials became more complicated. Moreover, the deficit immediately became quite acute, and the distribution of raw materials was constantly complicated. As a result, the army and navy established their own control over raw materials depending on their spheres of influence. Raw materials were divided into two categories: materials for production and materials for expanding production. Using the next year's production plan, the headquarters distributed raw materials in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturers. The order for components and assemblies (for spare parts and for production) was received by manufacturers directly from the headquarters.

Problems with raw materials were complicated by a constant shortage of labor, moreover, neither the navy nor the army were engaged in the management and distribution of labor. Manufacturers themselves, as soon as they could, recruited and trained personnel. In addition, with surprising myopia, the armed forces constantly called in civilian workers, completely inconsistent with their qualifications or the needs of production.

In order to unify the production of military products and expand the production of aircraft in November 1943, the Japanese government created the Ministry of Supply, which was in charge of all production issues, including labor reserves and the distribution of raw materials.

To coordinate the work of the aviation industry, the Ministry of Supply has established a certain system for developing a production plan. The General Staff, on the basis of the current military situation, determined the requirements for military equipment and sent them to the naval and military ministries, which, after approval, sent them for approval to the ministries, as well as to the corresponding naval and army general staffs. Further, the ministries coordinated this program with manufacturers, determining the needs for capacities, materials, human resources and equipment. Manufacturers determined their capabilities and sent a protocol of approval to the Ministries of the Navy and the Army. The ministries and general staffs together determined a monthly plan for each manufacturer, which was sent to the Ministry of Supply.

Tab. 2. Aircraft manufacturing in Japan during World War II

1941 1942 1943 1944 1945
Fighters 1080 2935 7147 13811 5474
Bombers 1461 2433 4189 5100 1934
Scouts 639 967 2070 2147 855
Educational 1489 2171 2871 6147 2523
Others (flying boats, transport boats, gliders, etc.) 419 355 416 975 280
Total 5088 8861 16693 28180 11066
Engines 12151 16999 28541 46526 12360
screws 12621 22362 31703 54452 19922

For production purposes, components and parts of aviation equipment were divided into three classes: under control, distributed by the government and supplied by the government. "Controlled materials" (bolts, springs, rivets, etc.) were produced under government control but distributed to manufacturers. Government-distributed "assemblies (radiators, pumps, carburetors, etc.) were produced according to special plans by a number of subsidiaries for deliveries to manufacturers of aircraft and aircraft engines directly to the assembly lines of the latter. Assemblies and parts "supplied" by the government (wheels, weapons, radio equipment, etc. .p.) were ordered directly by the government and delivered at the direction of the latter.

By the time the Ministry of Supply was formed, an order was issued to stop the construction of new aviation facilities. It was obvious that there was enough capacity, and the main thing was to increase the efficiency of existing production. To strengthen control and management in production, numerous controllers from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and observers from the Navy and Army, who were at the disposal of the regional centers of the Ministry of Supply, presented themselves to them.

Despite this rather impartial system of production control, the army and navy did their best to maintain their special influence by sending their own observers to aircraft, engine building and related industries, and also did everything to maintain their influence in those plants that were already under their control. . In terms of the production of weapons, spare parts and materials, the navy and army created their own capacities, without even informing the Ministry of Supply.

Despite the enmity between the navy and the army, as well as the difficult conditions under which the Ministry of Supply worked, the Japanese aviation industry was able to constantly increase aircraft production from 1941 to 1944. In particular, in 1944, production at controlled factories alone increased by 69 percent compared with the previous year. The production of engines increased by 63 percent, propellers - by 70 percent.

Despite these impressive successes, it was still not enough to counter the enormous power of Japan's adversaries. Between 1941 and 1945 the United States produced more aircraft than Germany and Japan combined.

Table 3 Aircraft production in some countries of the warring parties

1941 1942 1943 1944 Total
Japan 5088 8861 16693 28180 58822
Germany 11766 15556 25527 39807 92656
USA 19433 49445 92196 100752 261826
USSR 15735 25430 34900 40300 116365

Tab. 4. The number of employees in the Japanese aviation industry on average

1941 1942 1943 1944 1945
Aircraft factories 140081 216179 309655 499344 545578
Engine factories 70468 112871 152960 228014 247058
Screw production 10774 14532 20167 28898 32945
Total 221323 343582 482782 756256 825581
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A Brief History of Japanese Military Aviation

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As of early 2012, the strength of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force was about 43,700. The aircraft fleet includes about 700 aircraft and helicopters of the main types, of which the number of tactical and multi-role fighters is about 260 units, light training / attack aircraft - about 200, AWACS aircraft - 17, electronic intelligence and electronic warfare aircraft - 7, strategic tankers - 4 , military transport aircraft - 44.

F-15J tactical fighter (160 pcs.) A single-seat all-weather version of the F-15 fighter for the Japanese Air Force, produced since 1982 by Mitsubishi under license.

It is structurally similar to the F-15 fighter, but has simplified electronic warfare equipment. F-15DJ (42) - further development of the F-15J

F-2A/B(39/32pcs.) - A multirole fighter developed by Mitsubishi and Lockheed Martin for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.


F-2A fighter, picture taken in December 2012. from the Russian reconnaissance Tu-214R

The F-2 was intended primarily to replace the third-generation Mitsubishi F-1 fighter-bomber - according to experts, an unsuccessful variation on the SEPECAT "Jaguar" theme with insufficient range and low combat load. The appearance of the F-2 aircraft was significantly influenced by the American project General Dynamic "Agile Falcon" - a slightly larger and more maneuverable version of the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" aircraft. Although outwardly the Japanese aircraft is very similar to the American counterpart, it should still be considered a new aircraft that differs from prototype not only by differences in the design of the airframe, but also by the structural materials used, on-board systems, electronics and weapons. Compared to the American machine, the design of the Japanese fighter uses much more promising composite materials, which ensured a reduction in the relative mass of the airframe. In general, the design of the Japanese aircraft is simpler, lighter and more technologically advanced than that of the F-16.

F-4EJ Kai (60 pcs.) - Multipurpose fighter.


Japanese version of the McDonnell-Douglas F-4E. Phantom II


Satellite image of Google Earth: aircraft and F-4J Miho airbase

T-4 (200 pcs.) - Light attack / training aircraft developed by Kawasaki for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

The T-4 is flown by the Japanese aerobatic team Blue Impulse. T-4 has 4 hardpoints for fuel tanks, machine-gun containers and other weapons required for training missions. The design includes the possibility of rapid modification into a light strike aircraft. In this version, it is capable of carrying up to 2000 kg of combat load on five hardpoints. The aircraft can be retrofitted for the use of air-to-air missiles AIM-9L "Sidewinder".

Grumman E-2CHawkeye (13pcs) - AWACS and control aircraft.

Boeing E-767 AWACS(4pcs)


AWACS aircraft built for Japan, based on the passenger Boeing-767

C-1A(25pcs.) Medium-range military transport aircraft developed by Kawasaki for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

C-1s form the backbone of the Japan Self-Defense Forces military transport fleet.
The aircraft is designed for air transportation of troops, military equipment and cargo, landing of personnel and equipment by landing and parachute methods, evacuation of the wounded. The C-1 aircraft has a high swept wing, a fuselage of circular cross section, a T-tail and a tricycle landing gear retractable in flight. In front of the fuselage is a cabin consisting of 5 crew members, behind it is a cargo compartment 10.8 m long, 3.6 m wide and 2.25 m high.
Both the cockpit and the cargo compartment are pressurized and connected to the air conditioning system. The cargo compartment can carry 60 armed soldiers or 45 paratroopers. In the case of transporting the wounded, 36 stretcher wounded and the personnel accompanying them can be placed here. Through the cargo hatch located in the tail section of the aircraft, the following can be loaded into the cabin: a 105-mm howitzer or a 2.5-ton truck, or three cars
jeep type. The landing of equipment and cargo is carried out through this hatch, and paratroopers can also land through the side doors in the rear of the fuselage.


Satellite image of Google Earth: T-4 and C-1A aircraft Tsuiki airbase

EC-1 (1 pc.) - Electronic reconnaissance aircraft based on the transport S-1.
YS-11 (7 pcs.) - Electronic warfare aircraft based on a medium-haul passenger aircraft.
C-130H (16 pieces) - Multi-purpose military transport aircraft.
Boeing KC-767J (4 pcs.) - Strategic tanker aircraft based on the Boeing-767.
UH-60JBlack Hawk (39 pcs.) - Multipurpose helicopter.
CH-47JChinook (16 pcs.) - Multi-purpose military transport helicopter.

Air defense: 120 PU SAM "Patriot" and "Improved Hawk".


Satellite image of Google Earth: PU SAM "Patriot" air defense of Japan in the Tokyo area


Satellite image of Google Earth: SAM "Advanced Hawk" air defense of Japan, a suburb of Tokyo

The formation of the current Japanese Air Force began with the adoption on July 1, 1954 of a law establishing the National Defense Directorate, as well as ground, naval and air forces. The problem of aviation equipment and personnel was solved with American help. In April 1956, an agreement was signed to supply Japan with F-104 Starfighter jet aircraft.

At that time, this multi-purpose fighter was undergoing flight tests, showing high capabilities as an air defense fighter, which corresponded to the views of the country's leadership on the use of the armed forces "only in the interests of defense."
Subsequently, when creating and developing the armed forces, the leadership of Japan proceeded from the need to ensure the "primary defense of the country against aggression." The subsequent response to a possible aggressor under the security treaty was to be given by the US armed forces. Tokyo considered the deployment of American military bases on the Japanese islands as a guarantor of such a response, while Japan assumed many of the costs of ensuring the life of the Pentagon facilities.
Based on the foregoing, the equipment of the Japanese Air Force began.
"Starfighter" in the late 1950s, despite the high accident rate, became one of the main fighters of the Air Force of many countries, was produced in various modifications, including in Japan. It was an all-weather F-104J interceptor. Since 1961, the Air Force of the Land of the Rising Sun has received 210 Starfighter aircraft, 178 of which were produced by the well-known Japanese concern Mitsubishi under license.
I must say that the construction of jet fighters in Japan was launched back in 1957, when the production (also under license) of the American F-86F Saber aircraft began.


F-86F "Saber" of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force

But by the mid-1960s, the F-104J began to be regarded as an obsolete machine. Therefore, in January 1969, the Japanese Cabinet of Ministers decided to equip the country's Air Force with new fighter-interceptors. The American F-4E "Phantom" third-generation multirole fighter was chosen as the prototype. But the Japanese, when ordering the F-4EJ variant, made it a condition that it was an interceptor aircraft. The Americans did not object, and all equipment for working on ground targets was removed from the F-4EJ, but the air-to-air armament was strengthened. All in accordance with the Japanese concept of "only in the interests of defense." The leadership of Japan demonstrated, at least in conceptual documents, the desire for the country's armed forces to remain national armed forces, to ensure the security of their territory.

A "softening" of Tokyo's approaches to offensive types of weapons, including in the Air Force, began to be observed in the second half of the 1970s under pressure from Washington, especially after the adoption in 1978 of the so-called "Guidelines for Japan-US Defense Cooperation." Prior to this, no joint actions, even exercises, of self-defense forces and American units were conducted on the territory of Japan. Since then, much, including in the performance characteristics of aviation technology, in the Japanese Self-Defense Forces has been changing based on joint actions. On the still produced F-4EJ, for example, equipment for aerial refueling is installed. The last Phantom for the Japanese Air Force arrived in 1981. But already in 1984, a program was adopted to extend their service life. At the same time, the Phantoms began to be equipped with bombing equipment. These aircraft were named Kai.
But this does not mean that the main task of the Japanese Air Force has been changed. It remained the same - ensuring the country's air defense. That is why, since 1982, the Japanese Air Force began to receive license-produced all-weather F-15J interceptor fighters. It was a modification of the fourth-generation American all-weather tactical fighter F-15 "Eagle", designed "to gain air superiority." To this day, the F-15J is the main air defense fighter of the Japanese Air Force (in total, 223 such aircraft were delivered to them).
As you can see, almost always the emphasis in the choice of aviation equipment was placed on fighters aimed at air defense tasks, at gaining air superiority. This applies to the F-104J, and F-4EJ, and F-15J.
It was only in the second half of the 1980s that Washington and Tokyo agreed to jointly develop a close support fighter.
The validity of these statements has so far been confirmed in the course of collisions in connection with the need to re-equip the country's military aviation fighter fleet. The main task of the Japanese Air Force remains to ensure the country's air defense. Although the task of providing air support to the ground forces and the Navy was added. This is evident from the organizational structure of the Air Force. It has three aviation directions - Northern, Central and Western. Each of them has two fighter aviation wings, including two squadrons. At the same time, out of 12 squadrons - nine air defense and three tactical fighter. In addition, there is the South-Western Composite Aviation Wing, which includes another air defense fighter squadron. Air defense squadrons are armed with F-15J, F-4EJ Kai aircraft.
As you can see, the core of the "base forces" of the Japanese Air Force are interceptor fighters. There are only three direct support squadrons and they are armed with F-2 fighters of joint Japanese-American development.
The current program of the Japanese government to re-equip the aircraft fleet of the country's Air Force is generally aimed at replacing outdated Phantoms. Two options were considered. According to the first version of the tender for the new F-X fighter, it was supposed to purchase from 20 to 60 fifth-generation air defense fighters similar in terms of performance characteristics to the American F-22 Raptor fighter (Predator, manufactured by Lockheed Martin / Boeing). It entered service with the US Air Force in December 2005.
According to Japanese experts, the F-22 is the most consistent with Japan's defense concepts. The American F-35 fighter was also considered as a backup option, but it is believed that more aircraft of this type will be required. In addition, this is a multi-purpose aircraft and its main purpose is to strike targets on the ground, which does not correspond to the concept of "only in the interests of defense." However, back in 1998, the US Congress banned the export of "the latest fighter, which uses all the best achievements" of the US aviation industry. With this in mind, most other US fighter buyer countries are content with the earlier F-15 and F-16 models, or are waiting for the F-35 to start selling, which uses the same technology as the F-22, but is cheaper, more versatile in terms of application and from the very beginning of development was intended for export.
Of the American aviation corporations, Boeing had the closest ties with the Japanese Air Force for many years. In March, he proposed a new significantly upgraded F-15FX model. Two other Boeing-produced fighters are also being offered, but they have no chance of success, since much of these machines are outdated. What is attractive about Boeing's application for the Japanese is that the corporation officially guarantees assistance in the deployment of licensed production, and also promises to provide Japanese companies with the technologies used in the manufacture of aircraft.
But most likely, according to Japanese experts, the F-35 will become the winner in the tender. It has almost the same high performance characteristics as the F-22, belongs to the fifth generation fighter and has some features that the Predator does not have. True, the F-35 is still under development. His admission to the Japanese Air Force, according to various estimates, may begin in 2015-2016. Until then, all F-4s will have served their useful lives. The delay in the choice of a new main fighter for the country's air force is a matter of concern in Japanese business circles, since in 2011, after the release of the last of the ordered F-2s, for the first time in post-war Japan, it was necessary, albeit temporarily, to curtail its own construction of fighters.
Now in Japan there are about 1200 companies associated with the production of fighter jets. They have special equipment and trained personnel. The leadership of the Mitsubishi Jukogyo Corporation, which has the largest portfolio of orders from the Ministry of Defense, believes that "the production technologies of the defense sector, if they are not supported, are lost and never revived."

In general, the Japanese Air Force is well-equipped, sufficiently modern military equipment, which is in high combat readiness, is quite capable of solving the assigned tasks.

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (Navy) is armed with 116 aircraft and 107 helicopters.
Patrol air squadrons are armed with R-ZS Orion base patrol aircraft.

ASW helicopter squadrons are equipped with SH-60J and SH-60K helicopters.


Anti-submarine SH-60J Japanese Navy

Search and rescue squadrons include three search and rescue squadrons (three UH-60J helicopters each). There is a squadron of rescue seaplanes (US-1A, US-2)


US-1A seaplanes of the Japanese Navy

And two EW squadrons equipped with EP-3, UP-3D and U-36A EW aircraft, as well as reconnaissance OR-ZS.
Separate aviation squadrons, according to their purpose, solve the tasks of conducting flight tests of naval aircraft, participate in the operations of mine-sweeping forces, as well as in measures for the transfer of personnel and cargo by air.

On the Japanese islands, within the framework of a bilateral Japanese-American treaty, the 5th Air Army of the US Air Force (headquarters at Yokota Air Base) is permanently deployed, which includes 3 aviation wings equipped with the most modern combat aircraft, including 5 generations F-22 Raptor.


Google Earth satellite image: US Air Force F-22 aircraft at Kadena airbase

In addition, the US Navy's 7th Operational Fleet is constantly active in the Western Pacific. The headquarters of the commander of the 7th Fleet is located in Yokosuka PVMB (Japan). Fleet formations and ships are based at Yokosuka and Sasebo WWMB, aviation at Atsugi and Misawa airbases, marines at Camp Butler (Okinawa) on a long-term lease of these bases from Japan. The forces of the fleet regularly participate in operations to ensure security in the theater of operations, in joint exercises with the Japanese Navy.


Satellite image of Google Earth: aircraft carrier J. Washington in Yokosuka naval base

The US Navy Carrier Strike Group, which includes at least one aircraft carrier, is almost constantly located in the region.

A very powerful aviation group is concentrated in the area of ​​the Japanese islands, several times superior to our forces in this region.
For comparison, the combat aviation of our country in the Far East as part of the Air Force and Air Defense Command, the former 11th Army of the Air Force and Air Defense is an operational association of the air forces of the Russian Federation, with headquarters in Khabarovsk. It has no more than 350 combat aircraft, most of which are not combat-ready.
In terms of numbers, the naval aviation of the Pacific Fleet is approximately three times inferior to the aviation of the Japanese Navy.

According to materials:
http://war1960.narod.ru/vs/vvs_japan.html
http://nvo.ng.ru/armament/2009-09-18/6_japan.html
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/sea/us1kai.html
http://www.airwar.ru/enc/fighter/fsx.html
Reference K.V.Chuprin "ARMED FORCES OF THE CIS AND BALTIC COUNTRIES"

Being an independent type of armed forces, they are called upon to solve the following main tasks: providing air defense, providing air support to the ground forces and the Navy, conducting aerial reconnaissance, air transportation and landing troops and cargo. Given the important role assigned to the Air Force in the aggressive plans of Japanese militarism, the country's military leadership pays great attention to building up their combat power. First of all, this is done by equipping units and subunits with the latest aviation equipment and weapons. To this end, in recent years, with the active assistance of the United States, Japan has launched the production of modern F-15J combat aircraft, AIM-9P and L Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles, and CH-47 helicopters. Developments have been completed and serial production of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems of the 81 type, jet training aircraft T-4, ASM-1 air-to-ship missiles, new stationary and mobile three-axis radars, etc. have been completed. preparations are being completed for the deployment of production at Japanese enterprises of anti-aircraft missile systems "Patriot" under an American license.

All this, as well as the continued supply of weapons from the United States, allowed the Japanese leadership to significantly strengthen their Air Force. In particular, over the past five years, they have received about 160 combat and auxiliary aircraft, including over 90 F-15J fighters, 20 F-1 tactical fighters, eight AWACS and E-2C Hawkeye control aircraft, six transport S-130N aircraft and other aviation equipment. Due to this, four fighter aviation squadrons (201, 202, 203 and 204) were re-equipped with F-15J aircraft, the F-1 fighter-bombers were completed for three squadrons (3, 6 and 8), the 601 squadron was formed AWACS and control (E-2C Hawkeye aircraft), the re-equipment of the 401st transport squadron with C-130N aircraft has begun. From short-range anti-aircraft missile systems of type 81, as well as portable air defense systems "Stinger" and anti-aircraft artillery installations "Volcano", the first mixed anti-aircraft missile and artillery battalion (smzradn) of air defense was formed. In addition, the Air Force continued to receive three-axis stationary (J / FPS-1 and -2) and mobile (J / TPS-100 and -101) Japanese-made radars, which replaced obsolete American stations (AN / FPS-6 and -66) in the radio engineering troops of the Air Force. Seven separate mobile radar companies have also been formed. At the final stage, work is underway to modernize the ACS "Beidzh".

Below, according to the foreign press, are the organization and composition, combat training and development prospects of the Japanese Air Force.

ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION. The leadership of the air force is carried out by the commander, who is also the chief of staff. The main forces and means of the Air Force are consolidated into four commands: combat aviation (BAK), aviation training (UAK), training aviation technical (UATK) and logistics (MTO). In addition, there are several units and institutions of central subordination (the organizational structure of the Air Force is shown in Fig. 1).

Since August 1982, special tactical flight training has been systematically conducted, the purpose of which is to train Japanese pilots to intercept enemy bombers in conditions of widespread use of electronic warfare. The role of the latter is played by American B-52 strategic bombers, which carry out active jamming on the airborne radars of fighters performing interception. In 1985, 12 such workouts were performed. All of them were carried out in the combat training zone of the Japanese Air Force, located to the west of about. Kyushu.

In addition to those mentioned above, weekly tactical flight training is held jointly with American aviation to improve the skills of flight personnel in intercepting and conducting group air battles (from a pair to a flight of aircraft on each side). The duration of such training is one or two flight shifts (6 hours each).

Along with joint Japanese-American activities, the Japanese Air Force command systematically organizes tactical flight training of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units and subunits, both independently and in cooperation with the country's ground forces and navy.

Planned measures for the combat training of fighter aircraft are the annual competition exercises held since 1960 by units of the combat and aviation command. In the course of them, the best aviation units and subunits are identified, and the experience of their combat training is studied. Teams from all parts of the LHC, as well as from training squadrons of the 4th Iacr at the training aviation command, crews from divisions of the Nike-J missile defense system and teams of radar operators and guidance points take part in such competition exercises.

Each aviation team has four combat aircraft and up to 20 flight and technical personnel. For competitions, as a rule, the Komatsu air base, one of the largest combat training zones of the Air Force, located above the Sea of ​​Japan northwest of Komatsu, as well as the Amagamori (northern part of Honshu) and Shimamatsu (Hokkaido) airfields are used. Teams compete in intercepting air targets, conducting group air battles, delivering strikes against land and sea targets, including practical bombing and firing.

The foreign press notes that the Japanese Air Force has broad combat capabilities and its crews have a high level of professional training, which is supported by the entire system of daily combat training and is tested during the various exercises, competitions and other events mentioned above. The average annual flight time of a fighter pilot is about 145 hours.

AIR FORCE DEVELOPMENT. In accordance with the five-year program for the construction of the Japanese armed forces (1986-1990), a further increase in the power of the Air Force is planned to be carried out mainly through the supply of modern aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, the modernization of aviation equipment and weapons, as well as the improvement of the airspace control and management system.

The construction program is planned to continue deliveries of F-15J aircraft to the country's Air Force, carried out since 1982, and to bring their total number by the end of 1990 to 187 units. By this time, it is planned to re-equip three more squadrons (303, 305 and 304) with F-15 fighters. Most of the F-4EJ aircraft in service (now there are 129 units), in particular 91 fighters, are planned to be modernized in order to extend their service life until the end of the 90s, and 17 aircraft to be converted into reconnaissance aircraft.

At the beginning of 1984, it was decided to adopt the American Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems into service with the Air Force and re-equip all six Nike-J anti-aircraft missile battalions with them. Starting in fiscal year 1986, it is planned to allocate funds annually for the purchase of four Patriot air defense systems. Their entry into the Air Force will begin in 1988. The first two training batteries are planned to be formed in 1989, and from 1990 to begin re-equipping anti-aircraft missile divisions (one annually).

The Air Force construction program also provides for continued deliveries of S-130N transport aircraft from the USA (for the 401st squadron of the transport air wing), the number of which is planned to be increased to 14 units by the end of 1990.

It is planned to expand the capabilities of the airspace control system by increasing the number of E-2C Hawkeye AWACS aircraft (up to 12), which, according to Japanese experts, will make it possible to switch to round-the-clock combat duty. In addition, by 1989 it is planned to complete the modernization of the automated control system by the Beidzh air defense forces and means, as a result of which the level of automation of the processes of collecting and processing data on the air situation necessary for controlling active air defense forces will increase significantly. The re-equipment of air defense radar posts with modern Japanese-made three-coordinate radar stations will continue.

There are also other activities aimed at the further development of the country's Air Force. In particular, R&D continues on the choice of a new combat aircraft, which should replace the tactical fighter in the 90s, the issues of the advisability of adopting tanker aircraft and AWACS aircraft and control are being studied.

Colonel V. Samsonov

Japan's imperialist circles continue to actively build up the country's military potential under the guise of creating "defensive forces" of which aviation is an integral part.

Judging by reports in the foreign press, the revival of the Japanese Air Force began in the 1950s within the framework of the "public security corps" created with the direct assistance of the Pentagon. After the transformation of this corps into "self-defense forces" (July 1954), aviation was singled out as an independent branch of the armed forces. By this time, its strength was about 6300 people, it had approximately 170 obsolete American-made aircraft. In 1956, the Air Force (16 thousand people) already included two aviation wings, four control and warning groups, and six aviation schools. Aircraft were based at eight airfields.

According to the foreign press, the formation of the Air Force was basically completed by the beginning of the 60s. They included a combat aviation command with three aviation branches that had aviation wings (four fighter and one transport). The pilots were trained in the aviation training command, and ground specialists - in five aviation technical schools, united in the training technical center, which was then transformed into the aviation technical command. At that time, the MTO command, which included three supply centers, was engaged in the supply of units and subunits. In total, there were 40 thousand people in the Air Force.

An important role in the subsequent development of the Japanese air force was played by the third and fourth five-year programs for the construction of the armed forces. Under the third program (1967/68 - 1971/72 financial years), obsolete F-86F and F-104J fighters were replaced by F-4EJ aircraft (Fig. 1), produced by the Japanese industry under an American license. RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft were purchased. To replace the transport piston aircraft C-4G, our own transport jet aircraft C-1 was created (Fig. 2), and for the training of the flight crew, the T-2 supersonic training aircraft was designed (Fig. 3). On the basis of the latter, a single-seat close air support aircraft FS-T2 was developed.

Rice. 1. Fighter F-4EJ "Phantom"

During the implementation of the fourth program (1972/73 - 1976/77 financial years), the main task of which is considered to be the radical modernization of the Japanese armed forces, including the Air Force, the supply of new aircraft continues. As reported in the foreign press, by April 1, 1975, there were already about 60 F-4EJ fighters in the air force (a total of 128 aircraft are planned to be purchased). From the second half of 1975, the arrival of FS-T2 aircraft was expected (68 units ordered).

The country's air defense system began to be created in the early 60s. Along with fighter aircraft, which formed its basis, it included missile units of missiles. In 1964, there were already two groups of Nike-Ajax missiles (each with an anti-aircraft missile division). According to the plans of the third program for the construction of the armed forces, two groups of Nike-J missiles (Japanese version of the missile) were formed. In 1973, another group of these missiles was added to them. At the same time, Nike-Ajax missiles were replaced by Nike-J missiles.


Rice. 2. Transport aircraft S-1

Below is a brief description of the current state of the Japanese Air Force.

Composition of the Japanese Air Force

In the middle of 1975, the number of personnel of the Japanese Air Force was about 45 thousand people. More than 500 combat aircraft were in service (including up to 60 F-4EJ fighters, over 170 F-104Js, about 250 F-86Fs and almost 20 RF-4E and RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft), approximately 400 auxiliary aircraft (more than 35 transport and 350 training aircraft). In addition, there were at least 20 helicopters and approximately 150 Nike-J missile launchers. Aviation was based at 15 air bases and airfields.


Rice. 3. Training aircraft T-2

Japan Air Force Organization

The Japanese Air Force includes the Air Force Headquarters, Combat Aviation Command, Training Aviation and Aircraft Commands, Logistics Command, as well as units of central subordination (Fig. 4). The commander of the Air Force is also the chief of staff.


Rice. 4. Scheme of the organization of the Japanese Air Force

Air Combat Command is not the highest operational unit of the Air Force. It consists of a headquarters located in Fuchu (near Tokyo), three aviation sectors, a separate fighter aviation group on about. Okinawa, individual units and divisions, including the reconnaissance aviation squadron.

The aviation direction is considered a specific operational-territorial organizational unit, characteristic only for the Japanese Air Force. In accordance with the territorial division of the country into three air defense zones (Northern, Central and Western), three aviation directions have been created. The commander of each of them is responsible for aviation activities and air defense in his area of ​​responsibility. The general scheme of the organization of the aviation direction is shown in fig. 5. Organizationally, the directions differ only in the number of aviation wings and groups of missiles.


Rice. 5 Scheme of organization of the aviation direction

The northern aviation direction (headquarters at the Misawa airbase) covers about. Hokkaido and the northeastern part of about. Honshu. The fighter aviation wing and a separate fighter aviation group armed with F-4EJ and F-1U4J aircraft, as well as the Nike-J SAM group, are located here.

The Central Aviation Direction (Irumagawa Air Base) is responsible for the defense of the central part of the island. Honshu. It includes three fighter aviation wings (F-4FJ, F-104J and F-86F aircraft) and two groups of Nike-J missiles.

The western aviation direction (Kasuga airbase) provides cover for the southern part of about. Honshu, as well as the islands of Shikoku and Kyushu. Its combat forces consist of two fighter aviation wings (F-104J and F-86F aircraft), as well as two groups of Nike-J missiles. For the defense of the Ryukyu archipelago on about. Okinawa (Paha airbase) deployed a separate fighter aviation group (F-104J aircraft) operationally subordinate to this direction and the Nike-J SAM group, which is part of it. There are also units here: logistics, control and warning, as well as the base.

As reported in the foreign press, the fighter aviation wing (Fig. 6) is the main tactical unit of the Japanese Air Force. It has a headquarters, a battle group (two or three fighter air squadrons), an MTO group consisting of five detachments for various purposes, and an airfield service group (seven to eight detachments).


Rice. 6 Organization diagram of the fighter aviation wing

The control and warning wing operates in the zone of its direction (air defense sector). Its main task is the timely detection of air targets, their identification, as well as informing the commanders of air defense units and subunits about an air enemy and pointing fighters at him. The wing includes: headquarters, an air situation control group, three to four control and warning groups, logistics and basic maintenance groups. The control and warning wings of the Northern and Western aviation directions are subordinated to one mobile detection and warning detachment each, designed to strengthen radar cover in the most important directions or to replace failed stationary radars.

The Nike-J SAM group can hit air targets at medium and high altitudes. It consists of a headquarters, a three- or four-battery missile defense division (nine launchers per battery), an MTO detachment and a service detachment.

The aviation logistics detachment is responsible for organizing the supply of units and subunits with military equipment, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment.

A separate reconnaissance aviation squadron (Irumagawa airfield), directly subordinate to the headquarters of the combat aviation command, is equipped with RF-4E and RF-80F aircraft. It has a headquarters, an MTO detachment and an airfield maintenance detachment.

The Aviation Training Command provides training for the Air Force flight personnel. It includes a headquarters, one fighter and three training aviation wings, as well as a training squadron. Training is conducted on T-1A, T-2, T-33A and F-86F aircraft.

The aviation technical command, which unites five aviation technical schools, trains specialists for the support and support services of the air force.

The MTO command is engaged in long-term planning, procurement and distribution of military equipment, weapons and supplies in accordance with the needs of combat and auxiliary units and units of the Air Force. Three supply bases are subordinated to the MTO command.

The units of central subordination include the transport aviation wing and the rescue aviation wing. The first is intended for the airlift of troops and cargo, as well as for the landing of airborne assault forces. The wing includes: a headquarters, a transport aviation group, including two aviation squadrons and a training aviation detachment (C-1, YS-11 and C-40 aircraft), as well as logistics and airfield maintenance groups. The task of the second wing is to search for and rescue the crews of aircraft (helicopters) that have crashed directly over the territory of Japan or over coastal waters. The constituent elements of the wing are the headquarters, eight rescue teams stationed in various regions of the country, a training squadron and a logistics team. It is armed with MIJ-2, T-34 aircraft and S-G2, Y-107 helicopters.

The air defense of Japan is organized and conducted according to a unified plan of command of the armed forces using F-4EJ, F-104J, F-8GF fighters and Nike-J missiles from the air force. In addition, for these purposes, the 3UR available in the ground forces of Japan (seven anti-aircraft groups - up to 160 launchers) are involved. Airspace surveillance is carried out by 28 radar posts. An automated system is used for centralized control of air defense forces and means.

The combat training of the personnel of the Japanese Air Force is aimed primarily at working out the tasks of the country's air defense. The crews of tactical fighters and transport aircraft are trained to perform the tasks of air support and support the actions of the ground forces and, to a lesser extent, the naval forces.

The Japanese military leadership believes that the capabilities of the country's aviation do not meet the modern requirements of warfare in full seas, primarily because most of the aircraft in service are worn out. In this regard, measures are being taken to replace obsolete F-86F and F-104J fighters. To this end, Japanese specialists are studying the combat capabilities of foreign fighters (American F-16, F-15 and F-14, Swedish, French and others), the production of which could be mastered at Japanese enterprises under licenses. In addition, Japanese firms are increasing the production of modern F-4FJ, FS-T2, C-1 and T-2 aircraft.

Information about the Japanese Air Force published in the foreign press shows that the aircraft equipment in their arsenal is constantly improving in quality, and the organizational structure is being systematically improved. Characteristic in the construction of the Air Force is that they are increasingly equipped with aircraft of their own production.

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