Komatsu hosts Aeronautica Militare deployment

From 2 to 10 August 2023, Komatsu Air Base in Japan will host a joint Aeronautica Militare (AMI, Italian Air Force) and Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) exercise. Both forces will fly missions together to improve skills and promote mutual understanding.

UPDATE: Komatsu Air Base has postponed the deployment of the Italian Air Force for 24 hours due to the impact of a typhoon. The aircraft are now scheduled to arrive on 3 August.

Japan and Italy already cooperate in the training of Japanese student pilots at the International Flight Training School at Galatina air base and Decimomannu air base (Sardinia).

The Italian contingent consists of four F-35A Lightning IIs, supported by three KC-767A tankers, one C-130J Hercules and one Gulfstream E-550. They have entered Indonesian airspace and will make a stop-over at Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore. Tomorrow, 2 August, the contingent will continue to Japan.

At least one 306 Hikotai F-15J has been adorned with an Italy inspired colour scheme and will probably be one of the Eagles that will fly out tomorrow to join with the F-35s and bring them to Komatsu. According to the Japanese Air Staff Office, the JASDF will participate with four Komatsu Eagles, one KC-767J and probably one C-2 from Iruma.

Photo by Marco Papa