The Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) will provide Japan Air Self-Defense Force a critical air defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland and US personnel stationed there.
The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency has informed Congress that Japan has been cleared to upgrade 98 F-15J aircraft to a Japanese Super Interceptor (JSI) configuration.
These aircraft will be equipped with APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar that are processed by the Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) Mission System Computer.
Self-defense against threats are handled by the ALQ-239 Digital Electronic Warfare System (DEWS).
The foreign military sale package is estimated to cost $4.5 billion.
According to scramble Magazine, the whole will be supported by a Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS) with software, training and support, Selective Availability Anti-spoofing Module (SAASM), ARC-210 radio, aircraft and munition integration and test support, ground training devices (including flight and maintenance simulators), support and test equipment, software delivery and support, spare and repair parts, communications equipment, facilities and construction support, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, studies and surveys; and other related elements of logistical and programme support.
The JSI will provide Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) a critical air defense capability to assist in defending the Japanese homeland and US personnel stationed there. The JSI’s will better enable Japan to respond to airborne threats and defend its airspace.
The prime contractor for the FMS portion will be Boeing Aircraft Company, Everett (WA). The prime contractor for the modification programme will be of course Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) – that built the F-15Js – with Boeing being a sub-contractor.
The JASDF operates some 200 F-15Js of which some 45 F-15DJ dual seat Eagles. Apparently, the service is focusing integrating dedicated interceptors within the seven operational Hikotai’s (201 and 203 Hikotai at Chitose, 303 and 306 Hikotai at Komatsu, 204 and 304 Hikotai at Naha and 305 Hikotai at Nyatabaru).
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
