203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)
The 203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (第203飛行隊 (dai-ni-hyaku-san-hikoutai)) is a squadron of the 2nd Air Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Chitose Air Base, in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. It is equipped with Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft.[1][2]
| 203st Tactical Fighter Squadron | |
|---|---|
| 第203飛行隊 | |
.jpg.webp) 203 Sqn Mitsubishi F-15J | |
| Active | June 25, 1964-present |
| Country |  Japan |
| Branch |  Japan Air Self-Defense Force |
| Part of | Northern Air Defense Force, 2nd Air Wing |
| Garrison/HQ | Chitose Air Base |
| Nickname(s) | Secret Eagles |
| Aircraft flown | |
| Fighter | Mitsubishi F-15J/DJ |
| Trainer | Kawasaki T-4 |
History
The squadron was formed at Chitose Air Base at Hokkaido in June 1964 as part of the 2nd Air Wing. It was the third of the JASDF's F-104 units to form. It took over Quick Reaction Alert duties from the North American F-86D Sabre-equipped 103rd Squadron.
On March 24th, 1984 the squadron updated from the F-104 to the F-15J/DJ.
Tail markings
The squadron's aircraft have a stylized 203 with a red line, and a bear resembling a panda.
Aircraft operated
203rd Sqn F-104J (1982)
Fighter aircraft
- Lockheed F-104J/DJ Starfighter (1964-1983)
- Mitsubishi F-15J (1983-present)
Liaison aircraft
- Lockheed T-33A (1964-1992)
- Kawasaki T-4 (1992-present)
In popular culture
The squadron appeared in the 1990 film Best Guy.
References
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to No. 203 Squadron (JASDF). |
- Thompson, Paul JASDF - Order of Battle July 1, 2017 J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 23, 2017
- Thompson, Paul JASDF - Squadron Histories J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 23, 2017
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