603rd Squadron (JASDF)

The 第603飛行隊 (603rd Squadron, dai-roku-zero-san-hikoutai) is a squadron of the Airborne Early Warning Surveillance Group of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) based at Naha Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan.[1][2] It is equipped with Northrop Grumman E-2C Hawkeye aircraft.[3]

603rd Squadron
第603飛行隊
ActiveApril 20, 2014
CountryJapan
AllegianceAEW Surveillance Group (JASDF)
BranchJapan Air Self-Defense Force
Garrison/HQNaha Air Base
Aircraft flown
Electronic
warfare		Northrop Grumman E-2C 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 began deploying to Naha air base, and in 2014 the squadron was officially formed.[4][5]

The unit was formed by taking around 130 personnel[6] and four of the JASDF's 13 E-2C aircraft from 601st Squadron at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture.[7][8][9][10]

On April 12, 2015 one of the squadron's aircraft made an emergency landing at Kadena Air Base due to electrical problems.[11]

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 lightning bolts, retained from the aircraft's time with the 601st Squadron.[12]

Aircraft operated

References
  1. 航空自衛隊 那覇基地(第9航空団司令部 基地渉外室) Retrieved September 26, 2017 (in Japanese)
  2. Japan Air Self-Defense Force Retrieved September 26, 2017
  3. Thompson, Paul JASDF – Order of Battle July 1, 2017 J-HangarSpace Retrieved September 26, 2017
  4. Tan, Andrew T.H. Security and Conflict in East Asia page 154 Retrieved September 26, 2017
  5. Pacific Security and the E-2D 2014 Washington Security Forum Retrieved September 26, 2017
  6. Burke, Matthew M & Sumida, Chiyomi Japan puts early-warning aircraft on Okinawa amid China's moves May 2, 2017 Stars and Stripes Retrieved September 26, 2017
  7. New AWACS unit launched in Naha April 20, 2014 Japan Times Retrieved September 26, 2017
  8. Japan boosts surveillance against China with new E-2C Hawkeye squadron April 22, 2014 Air Force Technology Retrieved September 26, 2017
  9. Donald, David Japan Bolsters Southern Air Defenses April 22, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017
  10. JASDF initiates AWACS squadron in Okinawa April 23, 2014 Retrieved September 26, 2017
  11. Grumman E-2C Hawkeye incident 12 April 2015 Aviation Safety Network Retrieved September 26, 2017
  12. マーキング Retrieved September 26, 2017 (in Japanese)
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