203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)

Summary

The 203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (第203飛行隊 (dai-ni-hyaku-san-hikoutai)) is a squadron of the 2nd Air Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Chitose Air Base, in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It is equipped with Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft.[1][2]

203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron
第203飛行隊
ActiveJune 25, 1964-present
Country Japan
Branch Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Part ofNorthern Air Defense Force, 2nd Air Wing
Garrison/HQChitose Air Base
Nickname(s)Secret Eagles
Aircraft flown
FighterMitsubishi F-15J/DJ
TrainerKawasaki T-4

History edit

The squadron was formed at Chitose Air Base at Hokkaido in June 1964 as part of the 2nd Air Wing. It was the third of the JASDF's F-104 units to form. It took over Quick Reaction Alert duties from the North American F-86D Sabre-equipped 103rd Squadron.

On March 24, 1984, the squadron updated from the F-104 to the F-15J/DJ.

Tail markings edit

The squadron's aircraft have a stylized 203 with a red line, and a bear resembling a panda.

Aircraft operated edit

 
203rd Sqn F-104J (1982)

Fighter aircraft edit

Liaison aircraft edit

In popular culture edit

The squadron appeared in the 1990 film Best Guy.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Thompson, Paul JASDF - Order of Battle July 1, 2017 J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 23, 2017
  2. ^ Thompson, Paul JASDF - Squadron Histories J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 23, 2017