The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) and German Air Force have conducted their first bilateral exercise in Japanese territory.
The Rapid Pacific Exercise 2022 exercise supported Berlin security efforts in the Indo-Pacific, according to a report by Tokyo-based Nikkei Asia. It also aimed to boost the partnership between Japan and NATO.
German Air Force Chief Lt. Gen. Ingo Gerhartz arrived at Hyakuri Air Base near Tokyo for the exercise flying a Eurofighter Typhoon Aircraft for eight hours from Singapore.
On Sep 28, Gen Izutsu, COS, #JASDF welcomed Chief of @Team_Luftwaffe, Lt Gen Gerhartz in the AIR. Lt Gen Gerhartz flew #Eurofighter by himself, landed at Hyakuri AB. It is the first time German fighter jets to visit Japan. Gen Izutsu celebrated their success of #RapidPacific2022 pic.twitter.com/Wmbuaqpsy8
— Japan Air Self-Defense Force (@JASDF_PAO_ENG) September 28, 2022
The event marked the first time a German Eurofighter visited Japan.
The German Air Force employed two additional Eurofighters during the exercise.
“The exercise proved that we can move through the area speedily,” Nikkei Asia reported, citing Gerhartz. “We will continue to be involved in this region.”
During the exercise, the JASDF deployed three Mitsubishi F-2 Viper Zero multirole fighters, one carrying JASDF Chief of Staff Gen. Shunji Izutsu.
Before landing in Japan, the Eurofighter fleet rehearsed landing in Singapore within 24 hours of taking off from Germany.
The fleet also participated in Australia’s Exercise Pitch Black along with Japan, the UK, US, and other forces before joining the Rapid Pacific 22.
