Even though Japan is making the transition to the F-35, the F-2s are still valuable; their anti-ship capabilities are truly impressive, and are likely among the best in the region.
In June of this year, the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) found itself faced with a unique challenge—as well as an opportunity.
At that time, two Chinese aircraft carriers were transiting through waters in the East China Sea, very near the contested Senkaku Islands—what China refers to as the “Diaoyu Islands”—on their way beyond Japan’s easternmost island in the Pacific Ocean. Tokyo’s leadership and countless think tanks have been warning about China’s growing threat to Japan. Indeed, the sailing of those carriers through contested regions, like the East China Sea, were a reminder of how dangerous China has become.
That’s why the JASDF deployed two of the Mitsubishi F-2 fighter jets following the Chinese carrier’s move through the disputed region—and even simulated an attack on the carriers with anti-ship missiles fired from those F-2s.
About Japan’s F-2 Viper Zero Jet
Developed in collaboration with the United States, based on the F-16 Fighting Falcon’s design, the F-2 is a multirole aircraft optimized for maritime defense, particularly anti-ship operations such as what was demonstrated against the Chinese carriers loafing around the East China Sea in June.
Dubbed the “Viper Zero,” the F-2 entered service in 2000 as Japan’s first domestically produced supersonic fighter. While sharing the F-16’s agile airframe, the F-2 boasts enhancements tailored to Japan island-nation defense needs. In fact, the F-2’s wingspan is 25 percent larger than the F-16’s, allowing for greater fuel capacity and payload—making the jet ideal for extended maritime patrols. The aircraft’s composite materials reduce weight while improving stealth characteristics, though not to the level of fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.
Indeed, the F-2’s primary threat posed to rivals is in the form of its anti-ship capabilities. The jet can carry up to four anti-ship missiles, a configuration rare among fighters, enabling it to deliver devastating strikes against an assortment of enemy surface vessels. For its specific armaments, the Type 93 ASM-2 is a subsonic missile with 93–124-mile range, and active radar homing for precision targeting. This weapon, developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, features sea-skimming flight paths to evade radar detection and can penetrate armored hulls with its 496-pound warhead.
For closer engagements, the F-2 integrates air-to-air missiles, such as the AAM-3 or AAM-4, ensuring self-defense during anti-ship missions. In a significant upgrade announced in May 2025, the JASDF began equipping their F-2s with the ASM-3A, a supersonic anti-ship missile capable of going faster than Mach 3 and possessing a range of 124 miles. ASM-3A is a ramjet-powered weapon, also from Mitsubishi, incorporating stealth features and inertial/GPS guidance with terminal active radar, allowing it to outpace enemy defenses and strike high-value targets like Chinese aircraft carriers. This missile’s “fire-and-forget” system enables Japanese pilots to launch and evade, minimizing exposure to anti-aircraft fire.
Combined with the F-2’s J/APG-1 AESA radar—the world’s first on a fighter jet—the aircraft excels in detecting and tracking maritime targets amid electronic clutter. These features make the F-2 a formidable “ship-killer,” particularly against Chinese carrier strike groups, which are notoriously vulnerable to saturation attacks.
The F-2 Is a Force Multiplier for the United States
The June simulation in which Japan’s F-2s conducted simulated attacks—against targets that were obviously stand-ins for China’s aircraft carriers—reflects broader regional dynamics that are breaking down. China’s carrier deployments, part of its anti-access/area-denial (A2/AD) strategy, are designed to deter US military intervention in a Taiwan contingency. Japan’s F-2, with its potent anti-ship missile capability, serves as a vital counterbalance, integrating into allied frameworks like the US-Japan Security Treaty.
Experts note that in a real conflict, F-2 swarms could overwhelm carrier defenses, especially with ASM-3A upgrades enhancing penetration against advanced systems, like China’s Type 055 destroyers.
Japan has a fleet of around 94 F-2 Viper Zeroes. But analysts fear that the F-2s, being older fourth-generation warplanes, could be upstaged by China’s J-35 fifth-generation warplanes. In response, Tokyo has purchased a tranche of F-35 Lightning IIs from America. Nevertheless, the June 2025 exercise not only tested the Viper Zero’s strengths, but also sent a clear message amid escalating rivalries.
Even though Japan is making the transition to the F-35, the F-2s are still valuable; their anti-ship capabilities are truly impressive, and are likely among the best in the region. America should depend more heavily on Japan’s F-2 anti-ship forces if war with China ever erupts.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert is a senior national security editor at The National Interest. Recently, Weichert became the host of The National Security Hour on America Outloud News and iHeartRadio, where he discusses national security policy every Wednesday at 8pm Eastern. He is also a contributor at Popular Mechanics and has consulted regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including The Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, The Asia Times, and others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
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