Japanese Local Government Demands F-15 Grounding Following Okinawa Crash

An F-15 fighter jet belonging to the US Kadena air base crashed about 80 kms south of Naha city, Okinawa island early Monday.

The local Okinawa prefectural government has called for the grounding of all F-15 fighters after one of the six aircraft crashed during the flight training exercise, reported Asahi Shimbun Monday.

The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force helicopter rescued the sole pilot, the news daily reported.

According to the Defense Ministry and the 11th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters in Naha, the crash occurred around 6:30 a.m.

“U.S. military aircraft accidents keep happening again and again,” Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters at the ministry in Tokyo on June 11. “I want to firmly demand safe flights.”

Onodera said he has asked the US military to provide information about the accident, implement thorough safety management and take measures to prevent a recurrence.

Japan has about 200 F-15s deployed as the main aircraft of the Air Self-Defense Force.

“Japan also uses the same type of aircraft,” Onodera said. “I will ask for detailed reports about why it happened.”

The Okinawa prefectural government has called for the grounding of all F-15s.