The Japan Defense Ministry is requesting additional funding for maintenance of the hard used F-15J fleet which have been scrambled more often to counter Chinese fighters. It is asking to buy more missiles to increase the number of air-to-air missiles available for each fighter.
It was reported that The Japanese Self Defense Force aimed to double the number of missiles carried by each F-15J to 16. However, this is not practical. While the F-15J can carry up to 16 air-to-air missiles, flying often with live missiles will reduce their service life significantly. Carrying a full load of missiles also serves no practical purpose other than for saber rattling. Without air-to-air refuelling, a Japanese fighter is unlikely to stay in aerial combat over the disputed air space long enough to need 16 missiles. The Chinese is not going to offer a mass gaggle of targets for a Japanese fighter to ripple off 16 missiles. It is more likely that the Japanese are replenishing their missile stock. Some of their existing missiles are probably down for repair. Flying will subject the sensitive seeker head to degradation from the elements.
Nikkei Asian Review
It was reported that The Japanese Self Defense Force aimed to double the number of missiles carried by each F-15J to 16. However, this is not practical. While the F-15J can carry up to 16 air-to-air missiles, flying often with live missiles will reduce their service life significantly. Carrying a full load of missiles also serves no practical purpose other than for saber rattling. Without air-to-air refuelling, a Japanese fighter is unlikely to stay in aerial combat over the disputed air space long enough to need 16 missiles. The Chinese is not going to offer a mass gaggle of targets for a Japanese fighter to ripple off 16 missiles. It is more likely that the Japanese are replenishing their missile stock. Some of their existing missiles are probably down for repair. Flying will subject the sensitive seeker head to degradation from the elements.
Nikkei Asian Review
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