F-2支援戦闘機：F-16ベースだが一回り大きく似て非なる支援戦闘機

161111-F-MZ237-092 A Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2, flies to Hokkaido Port during bilateral exercise Keen Sword 17, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 11, 2016. The fundamental role of U.S. forces in Japan is to deter aggression and maintain peace and security in the region and is an essential component of the U.S.-Japan alliance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert)

He flew right through it A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 pilot performs an air-to-ground attack demonstration during Pacific Partners Air Festival at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 10, 2017. The F-2 is a multirole fighter derived from the U.S. Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon that highlights the two nation’s bilateral partnership in its 60/40 split in manufacturing and the two nation’s mission focus at Misawa. More than 80,000 Japanese and Americans came out for the annual air show with performances ranging from the JASDF F-2 and U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon, to the dozens of static displays and food booths scattered from one end of the flight line to the other. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sadie Colbert)

Transcending traditions, JASDF pilot receives USAF goodbye A Japan Air Self-Defense Force maintainer directs a JASDF F-2 piloted by Lt. Col. Katsushi “Kitty” Hashimoto, 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 23, 2015. Hashimoto was piloting his last flight in the JASDF F-2 at Misawa AB, where he has been stationed for the past four years and worked closely with U.S. pilots. For more than 50 years the Japanese have shared the runway at Misawa AB, conducting flight operations to maintain readiness and provide security in the Pacific. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Jose L. Hernandez-Domitilo/Released)

CP leads the way A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon and two Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2s fly in formation during an aviation training relocation over Tsuiki Air Base, Japan, Oct. 3, 2017. Throughout the duration of the exercise, both teams of pilots conducted 27 sorties focusing on specialized training consisting of bilateral basic fighting maneuvers, air combat maneuvers, defensive counter air and suppression of enemy air defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Melanie A. Hutto)

Rain can’t stop Misawa Air Festival 2012 Two Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft demonstrate dog fighting tactics during the Air Festival Sept. 9, 2012, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Thousands of people visited Misawa Air Base during the Air Festival to see aircraft demonstrations, static displays and flybys. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb/Released)

240908-F-KM882-1138 Misawa Air Fest 2024 A Mitsubishi F-2 flies over during Air Fest 2024 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Sept. 8, 2024. Air Fest allows U.S. and Japanese forces to demonstrate their technology, aircraft, and strategic abilities. For both nations, it’s a way to exhibit advancements in aviation, military prowess, and readiness to respond to regional and global threats. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Koby Mitchell)

Misawa Air Base hosts Air Fest 2009 MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan — A Japanese F-2 takes off at Misawa Air Base during Air Fest 2009 Oct. 18. (U.S. Air Force photo/Staff Sgt. Samuel Morse)

ATR Strengthens U.S.-Japan Alliance at Hyakuri A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 takes off from Hyakuri Air Base, Japan in support of the Aviation Training Relocation exercise Jan. 29, 2024. This exercise, part of the ongoing ATR program, highlights the deepening cooperation between the U.S. and Japan, enhancing interoperability and readiness for real-world contingencies. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Staff Sgt. Kristen Heller)

JASDF F-2 fighters arrive for Cope North 2009 ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam – A Japan Air Self Defense Force F-2 fighter lands here Jan. 30 to participate in the two-week Cope North exercise. The Japanese F-2 single-engine fighter has performance capabilities roughly comparable to those of the U.S. F-16. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Courtney Witt)

Kadena’s Young Tigers Fuel Bilateral Training A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2A aircraft receives fuel from a U.S. Air Force KC-135R Stratotanker from Kadena Air Base’s 909th Air Refueling Squadron alongside USMC F/A-18C Hornets while participating in a simulated maritime strike mission, Dec. 15, 2021. The simulated maritime strike was coordinated by U.S. Marines and Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Soldiers, operating a Bilateral Ground Tactical Coordination Center as part of a bilateral rehearsal of Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Maj. Raymond Geoffroy)

Waiting for take off Japan Air Self-Defense Force Maj. Gen. Kenichi Samejima, left, the 3rd Air Wing commander, prepares for a familiarization flight with U.S. Air Force Col. R. Scott Jobe, right, the 35th Fighter Wing commander, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, June 22, 2018. The flight gave Jobe, an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, the opportunity to experience the responsibilities of an F-2 pilot and further enhance understanding of the wings’ different missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Collette Brooks)

Rain can’t stop Misawa Air Festival 2012 A Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-2 aircraft pilot demonstrates the multi-role fighter’s maneuverability during the Air Festival Sept. 9, 2012, at Misawa Air Base, Japan. Aircraft soared through the sky while others sat static for viewing during the Air Festival. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Nathan Lipscomb/Released)