Summary
The 601st Squadron (第601飛行隊, dai601hikoutai) is a squadron of the Airborne Early Warning Surveillance Group of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.[1][2] It is equipped with Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye aircraft.[3]
| 601st Squadron | |
|---|---|
| 第601飛行隊 | |
 601st Sqn E-2C in flight (1994) | |
| Country | Japan |
| Allegiance | AEW Surveillance Group (JASDF) |
| Branch | Japan Air Self-Defense Force |
| Garrison/HQ | Misawa Air Base |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Electronic warfare | Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye/Advanced Hawkeye |
History edit
In the early 2010s the amount of air activity by China near Okinawa increased dramatically after Japan effectively nationalized the disputed Senkaku Islands, sparking a major backlash from China.
Beginning in 2012 E-2C aircraft of the squadron began deploying to Naha Air Base as required, and in 2014 603rd Squadron was officially formed[4][5] by taking around 130 personnel[6] and four of the squadron's 13 E-2C aircraft from Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture.[7][8][9][10] This left the 601st squadron with nine aircraft.
Tail markings edit
Unlike many other JASDF squadrons, the squadron's aircraft generally have a marking on their forward fuselage instead of on the tail. The marking is of a bat grasping two bolts of lightning.[11]
Aircraft operated edit
References edit
- ^ 航空自衛隊 那覇基地(第9航空団司令部 基地渉外室) Retrieved September 26, 2017 (in Japanese)
- ^ Japan Air Self-Defense Force Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Thompson, Paul JASDF – Order of Battle July 1, 2017 J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Tan, Andrew T.H. Security and Conflict in East Asia page 154 Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Pacific Security and the E-2D 2014 Washington Security Forum Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Burke, Matthew M & Sumida, Chiyomi Japan puts early-warning aircraft on Okinawa amid China's moves May 2, 2017 Stars and Stripes Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ New AWACS unit launched in Naha April 20, 2014 Japan Times Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Japan boosts surveillance against China with new E-2C Hawkeye squadron April 22, 2014 Air Force Technology Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ Donald, David Japan Bolsters Southern Air Defenses April 22, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ JASDF initiates AWACS squadron in Okinawa April 23, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017
- ^ マーキング Retrieved September 26, 2017 (in Japanese)