For the first time in history, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), known as Kōkū Jieitai, has flown fighter aircraft to Europe. Four Mitsubishi F-15J Eagles landed at RAF Coningsby, England, as part of the “Atlantic Eagles” mission, supported by Boeing KC-767 and Kawasaki C-2 aircraft. The deployment, running from mid-September until early October 2025, aims to validate interoperability with the Royal Air Force (RAF) and includes planned flights with the German Luftwaffe and the United States Air Force (USAF). As they approached UK airspace, the Japanese fighters were intercepted and escorted by RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4s before landing at Coningsby. According to the RAF, the Atlantic Eagles mission represents a “landmark achievement” in the 71-year history of the JASDF, underscoring Tokyo’s growing defense ties with Euro-Atlantic allies.