Military aircraft from ASDF (Japan's Air Self-Defense Force) has crashed off the coast of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Japanese F-2 Fighter Crashes Off Ibaraki Coast During Training Exercise
On August 7, 2025, a Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) F-2 fighter crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Ibaraki Prefecture, eastern Japan. The incident occurred during a training exercise, and the pilot safely ejected before the crash.
The F-2 aircraft involved in the accident was part of the 7th Air Wing based at the ASDF Hyakuri base in Omitama, Ibaraki. The aircraft took off from the base at 11:44 a.m., and the crash occurred shortly after 12:30 p.m., approximately 150 kilometers northeast of the base.
According to reports, the pilot reported an abnormality to air traffic control before making an emergency escape. The pilot was rescued by an ASDF helicopter and sustained no injuries. Fortunately, the crash did not cause damage to nearby ships or facilities.
The training exercise involved three other F-2 aircraft and two ASDF rescue aircraft. However, no detailed official explanation about the mechanical or operational cause of the abnormality leading to the crash has been provided. Past F-2 incidents have included wiring issues and collisions, but no direct link to this incident is available.
Takehiro Morita, chief of staff of the ASDF, apologized for causing concern to the public at an extraordinary press conference on Thursday. He stated that the JASDF is currently investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash.
As the investigation continues, the JASDF has assured the public that the safety of its pilots and the general public is its top priority. The JASDF will provide updates on the incident as more information becomes available.
[1] NHK News, "JASDF F-2 Fighter Crashes Off Ibaraki Coast," August 7, 2025. [3] Kyodo News, "JASDF F-2 Fighter Crashes Off Ibaraki Coast During Training Exercise," August 7, 2025.
The F-2 aircraft that crashed during a training exercise off the Ibaraki Coast took a photo before the unfortunate event, as it was part of the routine for recording the mission. Despite the accidents in the past related to wiring issues and collisions, no direct link has been established with this specific incident, as the exact cause remains under investigation.
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