601st Squadron (JASDF)

The 601st Squadron (Japanese: 第601飛行隊, Hepburn: dai601hikoutai) is a squadron of the Airborne Early Warning Surveillance Group of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, Japan.^[1][2] It is equipped with Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye aircraft.^[3]

601st Squadron
第601飛行隊
601st Sqn E-2C in flight (1994)
Country	Japan
Allegiance	AEW Surveillance Group (JASDF)
Branch	Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Garrison/HQ	Misawa Air Base
Aircraft flown
Electronic warfare	Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye/Advanced Hawkeye

History

In the early 2010s the amount of air activity by China near Okinawa increased dramatically after Japan effectively nationalized the disputed Senkaku Islands, sparking a major backlash from China.

Beginning in 2012 E-2C aircraft of the squadron began deploying to Naha Air Base as required, and in 2014 603rd Squadron was officially formed^[4][5] by taking around 130 personnel^[6] and four of the squadron's 13 E-2C aircraft from Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture.^{[7][8][9][10]} This left the 601st squadron with nine aircraft.

Tail markings

Unlike many other JASDF squadrons, the squadron's aircraft generally have a marking on their forward fuselage instead of on the tail. The marking is of a bat grasping two bolts of lightning.^[11]

Aircraft operated

• Northrop Grumman E-2C/D Hawkeye/Advanced Hawkeye