According to Kyodo news agency, citing a government source, a Japan air self-defense force (JASDF) F-15J fighter jet experienced an incident on 18/8 upon returning to Naha airport, Okinawa prefecture, after completing an urgent scramble mission.

The incident appears to have stemmed from the collapse of the F-15J's left rear landing gear, causing the fighter to tilt with its left wingtip and external fuel tank scraping the ground. The F-15J skidded a distance on the runway before spinning 180 degrees and coming to a stop.

The F-15J with collapsed landing gear skids on the runway after landing at Naha airport, Okinawa prefecture, Japan on 18/8. *Photo: Kyodo*

The pilot safely exited the aircraft unharmed. The accident led to the closure of Naha airport's runway B for 4 hours to remove the F-15J and clear the scene.

Runway A at the airport remained operational after the incident, though many flight schedules experienced delays. Okinawa governor Denny Tamaki called the incident "deeply disappointing" and urged an investigation.

Naha airport, located on Okinawa island, shares its runways with a nearby air base. It is home to two squadrons of F-15J aircraft, one support squadron using T-4 training jets, and one squadron of E-2C early warning aircraft.

A crane removes the F-15J involved in the incident from the runway at Naha airport, Okinawa prefecture, Japan on 18/8. *Photo: Kyodo*

The F-15J is an F-15C/D variant produced by Japan's Mitsubishi corporation under US license. The F-15J first flew in 1980, entered service in 1981, and has served as a cornerstone of the JASDF for over 40 years.

The JASDF has acquired 223 F-15J fighters, including 203 single-seat and 20 two-seat variants. These F-15Js are being upgraded under the multi-stage improvement program (MSIP), similar to the US air force's F-15 fighters. Japan plans to upgrade about one-half of its existing F-15J fleet and replace the remainder with 105 F-35A stealth fighters.

Nguyen Tien (Sources: Aviationist, Kyodo, AP)