Aircraft
Japan’s Recon Phantoms Bow Out
The retirement of the reconnaissance fleet leaves just one fighter unit flying Phantoms in Japanese service.
The original camera-nosed RF-4E (foreground) was joined in JASDF service with 501 Hiko-tai by the RF-4EJ (background), a fighter adapted to carry podded reconnaissance sensors. (Photo: JASDF)
The original camera-nosed RF-4E (foreground) was joined in JASDF service with 501 Hiko-tai by the RF-4EJ (background), a fighter adapted to carry podded reconnaissance sensors. (Photo: JASDF)

One more of the few remaining chapters in the long story of the Phantom drew to a close in early March when the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) flew its last missions with the RF-4E and RF-4EJ tactical reconnaissance aircraft. The aging McDonnell Douglas classic had served with the JASDF’s recon unit, 501 Hiko-tai at Hyakuri, for 45 years.


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