Tactical Fighter Training Group
Among the fighter squadrons of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), one unit stands out in terms of combat skills and expertise – The Tactical Fighting Training Group or more commonly known as the Aggressor Squadron.
This unit is comprised of around 20 to 30 pilots who are the best of the best, and provides tactical training and guidance to other fighter squadrons by serving as the enemy during exercises. Their role to play a formidable enemy in training in order to facilitate growth and skill enhancement.
Teaching experienced fighter pilots, who have already accumulated considerable flight time and engaged in scramble missions, is no easy task, requiring the instructors to constantly exceed expectations.
This is why the aggressor squadron only accepts those with exceptionally high talent, skill and judgment, thereby earning the nickname “Japan’s TopGun.”
Such alias is not an exaggeration since even the most confident fighter pilots are usually “destroyed” by the aggressor squadron during combat training, especially in dog-fight scenarios.
These training sessions typically last around two weeks with the Aggressor Squadron traveling to various bases nationwide. Besides such training tour, there are opportunities where pilots from other units are temporarily dispatched to the Aggressor Squadron, only to be astounded by the obvious disparity in combat skills.
The squadron is currently located at Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is notorious for its inclement weather, but is designated with a vast training area over the Sea of Japan called the “G-Airspace.”
Under the motto of “To defeat the enemy, one must first understand them,” the Tactical Fighting Training Group emphasizes not only improving their own piloting skills, but also the research and analysis of foreign fighters, particularly the ones of China and Russia.
By studying and replicating the tactics of their potential adversaries, they aim to pass down their findings to other units, ultimately enhancing the JASDF’s overall capability.
However, in their role as instructors, the Aggressor pilots are expected to do more than just demonstrating the opponent’s tactics – they must logically teach the characteristics of such adversarial tactic and advise countermeasures.
Understanding foreign tactics and philosophies, which are vastly different from the ones employed at home, and eventually educating it to others require an impressive level of tenacity and flexibility.
This is exactly why the Tactical Fighting Training Group is undoubtedly the cream of the crop within JASDF in nearly all aspects.
So, how does one join the esteemed Tactical Fighting Training Group?
Unfortunately, it is not a unit where you can join by simply volunteering or expressing your interest. Instead, one must catch the attention of the Aggressor Squadron during the multiple training sessions, and then be directly scouted.
Unique Designs
As the most elite Japanese fighter unit, the pilots of the Aggressor Squadron wear an unique patch with a skull image on their flight suits, indicating the harsh reality of their daily missions.
The squadron’s F-15J fighter jets are often pushed to their limits regarding maneuverability and speed, increasing the likelihood of accidents if not for the outstanding skill of the individual.
Given such near-death situations, it is a common for the squadron to be encompassed by an intense atmosphere, since there is no room for any compromise.
A F-15 fighter jet of the Aggressor Squadron (photo: JASDF)
Along with this elite, but rigorous nature, the Aggressor Squadron is known for painting their fighter aircraft in an unique design. These distinct markings are of course not for entertainment, but to distinguish themselves from other F-15s during training sessions, serving as visual identification.
Since the designs are so obvious and easy to spot, it prevents the aircraft from blending into the background, making it impossible to use the excuse of not confirming the enemy.
Interestingly, these unique designs are personally handpicked by the pilots who actually fly each aircraft, mostly resulting in a geometric pattern.
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