(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — In the wake of an earthquake in Taiwan a few days ago, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) was compelled to relocate dozens of its F-15 fighter jets from the air base in Naha, Okinawa, to higher ground, prompted by fears of a tsunami threat.
Photographs released on the air base’s social media accounts depicted the relocation of the F-15 fighters to elevated roadways nearby.
This strategic move to higher ground at Naha Air Base in Okinawa occurred shortly after the earthquake hit Taiwan on April 3.
“In response to the Tsunami warning issued on April 3, Naha Air Base quickly took measures to mitigate potential destruction in the Sakishima area while also moving F-15 fighter jets and their equipment to higher ground for protection,” according to a statement from the air base.
The aircraft and their gear were relocated within higher areas of the air base itself.
This preventive relocation due to tsunami concerns is not new for the Japanese military, recalling similar actions taken in 2011 when a tsunami devastated parts of Japan.
The 2011 disaster severely damaged and even led to the scrapping of numerous military assets, including Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets, with some aircraft requiring years of repair before being recommissioned.
Naha Air Base, situated in Okinawa, serves as the home to two squadrons of F-15J fighter jets, T-4 training aircraft, and E-2C early warning planes of the JASDF, in addition to housing helicopters.
The April 3 earthquake, measuring 7.2 on the Richter scale off the coast of Hualien, Taiwan, resulted in nine fatalities and over 900 injuries, prompting tsunami warnings.
Days after the quake, Taiwanese media reported that at least six F-16 Block 72 fighter jets sustained damage when their base in Hualien was also affected by the earthquake.
Hualien Air Base, located on the eastern side of Taiwan, is crucial for the Taiwanese Air Force, especially for scrambling F-16s to intercept Chinese aircraft infringing upon Taiwan’s ADIZ.
The earthquake caused six F-16 Block 72 and one F-5 fighter jets to collide with each other, resulting in damage.
However, Taiwanese authorities have stated that the damage to the aircraft is not critical and they can be repaired for future operations.
Taiwanese media also reported structural damages to the Hualien base, including cracked walls, compromising the safety of its bunkers and hangars. — DSA