The U.S. military withdrew; the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) landed F-2 jets in Thailand for the first time. The JASDF squadron stopped at U-Tapao to refuel before heading to India to join the “Veer Guardian 26” exercise.
On 6 September 2026, at 15:10, reporters observed that JASDF F-2A/B fighter jets prepared to make their first landing in Thailand at U-Tapao International Airport in Chonburi Province. The mixed JASDF squadron planned to stop to refuel before continuing to India to participate in the “Veer Guardian 26” aerial exercise, scheduled from 9 to 21 September 2026.
JASDF issued a statement saying this mission is part of deploying air forces to participate in the “Veer Guardian 26” exercise with India. The Japanese air contingent stopping in Thailand includes five F-2A/B “Viper Zero” fighters, two C-2 transport aircraft, and two U.S. Air Force KC-135 aerial refueling tankers.
The arrival of the F-2A/B in Thailand is significant as it marks the first time Japanese combat aircraft have come to Thailand since the end of World War II. Although Japan is a military ally of Thailand, previous Japanese military aircraft visiting Thailand were mostly support planes such as transports and tankers.
The JASDF F-2A jets stopping in Thailand belong to the 8th Squadron based at Tsuiki Air Base. The F-2, produced by Mitsubishi, is a fighter developed from the U.S. F-16, customized specifically for maritime defense and strike missions.
However, the F-2 differs from the F-16 in several ways, notably featuring larger wings capable of carrying heavier weapon loads. At the same time, its avionics and onboard electronic systems have been upgraded to be more advanced than the basic F-16C/D models.
The F-2 was produced exclusively for Japanese use, operated solely by the JASDF, with a total production of 98 units. The limited production run resulted in a high unit cost of about 100 million U.S. dollars at the time of manufacture, compared to roughly 20 million dollars per F-16C aircraft.
This refueling stop of the F-2A/B at U-Tapao is therefore a noteworthy event in the security and military cooperation among Thailand, Japan, and the U.S., before the Japanese squadron continues on to India to participate in the scheduled “Veer Guardian 26” exercise.