Forget the F-35 or China’s J-20: Japan Is Turning 98 F-15J Eagles Into ‘Super Interceptors’ Carrying JASSM-ER

Automatically curated summary from 19FortyFive.

According to a profile by journalist Caleb Larson, Japan is upgrading 98 Mitsubishi license-built F-15J fighters under the Japan Super Interceptor (JSI) program. Approved via U.S. and Japanese agreements with Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the modernization replaces aging systems with AN/APG-82(V)1 AESA radar, advanced mission computers, and electronic warfare suites. The non-stealth JSI jets will carry modern weapons, including JASSM-ER standoff missiles, functioning as long-range "missile trucks" networked with Japan's F-35s to counter Russian and Chinese air activities. The remaining unupgraded F-15J fleet will be gradually retired.

Context and limitations

Details regarding potential integrations, such as Lockheed Martin's Legion-ES IRST system, are noted as possible rather than fully confirmed, and programmatic completion depends on ongoing defense contracting execution.