F-15 Japan Super Interceptor programme gains traction
A Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-15J Eagle assigned to the 2nd Air Wing takes off during Air Fest 2026 at Misawa Air Base, Japan in September 2026. (US Air Force)
Japan is advancing its F-15 Japan Super Interceptor (JSI) programme through new investment in the aircraft's avionics and support systems, under a revised schedule that pushes deployment of the first 20 aircraft to fiscal year (FY) 2029.
The Japanese Ministry of Defense (MoD) initiated the effort, also known as the F-15 capability enhancement programme, in FY 2019 to upgrade a limited number of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's (JASDF's) 156 licence-built F-15J Eagles with new mission and flight systems.
The MoD previously told Janes that the programme covered 68 operational F-15Js and two test aircraft. The 68 fighters were previously modernised under an earlier Multi-Stage Improvement Program (MSIP).
The current focus is on upgrading 20 F-15J aircraft to the F-15JSI standard, including the two test aircraft, by the end of the decade, a spokesperson for Japan's Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Agency (ATLA) told Janes in September 2026.
“The original plan called for the completion of modifications to the 20 aircraft by the end of FY 2027. However, in light of progress of the modification programme, deployment completion is now targeted for the end of FY 2029,” the spokesperson said.
The JSI programme involves Boeing and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), working through an “integrated partnership”, a Boeing spokesperson said.
Boeing is the prime contractor for the programme's US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) component, while MHI leads the Direct Commercial Sales (DCS) portion. Boeing also integrates the FMS and DCS elements.
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