A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J fighter taxiing at Chitose Air Base, Hokkaido.
This photograph captures a Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-15J fighter on the runway at Chitose Air Base in Hokkaido.
Chitose Air Base plays a vital role in defending Japan’s northern airspace, making it one of the country’s most important air defense installations.
In this image, an F-15J faces forward on the taxiway at Chitose Air Base.
Ground crew members stand nearby, carefully guiding the aircraft before departure, highlighting the scale and presence of Japan’s primary air defense fighter.
With the final checks completed, an F-15J begins taxiing toward the runway at Chitose Air Base, guided by ground crew on the apron.
This final image shows an F-15DJ, the two-seat variant of the Eagle, taxiing at Chitose Air Base.
Although I did not have enough time to capture the takeoff due to my return flight to Hiroshima, witnessing these aircraft preparing for departure was more than enough to leave a lasting impression.
Even without the moment of liftoff, the presence and atmosphere of Japan’s frontline fighters at the base spoke for themselves.
