In a precautionary move prompted by a tsunami warning following the Taiwan earthquake on April 3, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) Naha Air Base evacuated its F-15J fighters to higher ground, leading to some of these aircraft being parked on civilian roads.

Images released by the X account of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s Naha air base showcased the F-15s positioned on public roads. This evacuation, prompted by the tsunami warning, aimed to safeguard the aircraft from potential damage in the aftermath of the seismic activity.

Officials from Naha Air Base explained the rationale behind this measure. “Following the tsunami warning on April 3, Naha Air Base scrambled to assess the damage situation in the Sakishima area, and at the same time evacuated F-15 fighter jets and vehicles to higher ground to protect equipment,” stated the base’s official account.

The base added, “We are constantly maintaining this equipment and defending the southwest region to respond to any unforeseen circumstances.” The presence of these advanced aircraft underscores Naha Air Base’s strategic importance. 

Naha Air Base, nestled along the East China Sea coast of the southern part of Okinawa Island, is a crucial military installation for Japan. While only a dozen F-15s were visible in the released photos, the base hosts two F-15J squadrons, collectively comprising nearly 40 of these high-performance fighter jets. 

Despite the unconventional sight of fighter jets parked on city streets, it was pointed out that the aircraft remained within the perimeter of the airbase, albeit relocated among other facilities away from the usual apron area.  

The recent earthquake in Taiwan has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of military assets to natural disasters. In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, the Taiwanese Air Force reported slight damage to six F-16 fighter jets stationed at the Hualien Air Base. 

The proactive measures taken by the Japanese military, such as evacuating aircraft to higher ground in response to potential threats like tsunamis, are not unprecedented. 

Similar precautions have been observed in the past, aiming to prevent losses of aircraft.  Following the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami in 2011, a significant number of military aircraft, particularly Mitsubishi F-2 jets, endured severe damage; some of them were destroyed. 

The extensive damage resulted in lengthy repair processes for many aircraft, spanning several years before they were fully operational again. 

Japan’s F-15 aircraft are integral to defending the nation’s borders against potential threats, especially intercepting intruding Russian and Chinese aircraft.

These highly capable fighter jets are tasked with maintaining the integrity of Japan’s territorial boundaries, standing as formidable deterrents against any unauthorized or hostile aerial activities. 

The presence of the United States Air Force (USAF) has added another layer of defense in the region, with a rotational contingent of fighters stationed at the nearby Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. 

Originally, the USAF maintained a permanent deployment of F-15C/D Eagles at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, bolstering the area’s defensive capabilities.