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]

203rd Tactical Fighter Squadron
第203飛行隊
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 24, 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.

See also

• Fighter units of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force