F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise

Two Mitsubishi F-2s sit on the flightline June 13 at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, awaiting takeoff. The F-2s are part of a historic Japan Air Self Defense Force deployment from Misawa Air Base, Japan. This Cope North exercise is the first time the F-2s will deploy outside of Japan, and the first time they will drop live munitions on a fixed target. (U.S. Air Force photo/Marine Cpl. Ashleigh Bryant)

F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise

A Mitsubishi F-2 support fighter from the Japan Air Self Defense Force takes off from the runway at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 13 as part of Exercise Cope North. The fighter, from the 3rd Squadron at Misawa Air Base, Japan, is making JASDF history as this is its first deployment outside of Japan, and the first time the aircraft will drop live munitions on a fixed target. (U.S. Air Force photo/Marine Cpl. Ashleigh Bryant)

F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise

Published June 15, 2007
By Marine Cpl. Ashleigh Bryant
Det. 10, Air Force News Agency

F-2 makes live bomb debut during exercise -- "Hands-on" took on real meaning for members of the Japan Air Self Defense Force as F-2 support fighter pilots dropped the first live weapons from the fighter here June 13 as part of Exercise Cope North.

As there is no live range in Japan, the F-2 pilots used this opportunity to practice with live weapons at the Farralon de Medinilla range, 160 nautical miles northeast of Andersen.

"This is the first deployment of the F-2, and also ... it will be the first delivery of weapons from the F-2, which is a big deal, it's only the third delivery of live weapons in the last sixty years," said Col. Michael MacWilliam, U.S. Director for Cope North.

Cope North is focused on the security and defense of Japan through air operations. The pilots fly sorties in what are called "defensive Japan scenarios," which help prepare U.S. and JASDF pilots should they ever be called on to protect Japan.

228 JASDF personnel from Misawa Air Base and Fuchu Air Station, Japan, are taking part in the Cope North, which will run until June 22. Eight of these aircraft along with 150 personnel deployed from Misawa Air Base, Japan, to take part in the exercise. They are scheduled to complete 124 of the 346 anticipated sorties.

The Mitsubishi F-2 is the result of a joint Japan and U.S. development program which began in 1987 as a way to replace the Mitsubishi F-1.