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Japanese F-15s arrive at Red Flag-Alaska

by pacaf.af.mil

Several Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-15 Eagles joined other RED FLAG-Alaska participants July 12 after having its entire F-15 fighter fleet grounded in response to an incident on July 4 with one of the fighter jets during a routine training exercise back in Japan. The Mitsubishi F-15 Eagle forms part of JASDF fighter-interceptor aircraft inventory used to engage hostile aircraft. The F-15 was brought to RED-FLAG Alaska to help JASDF members improve their tactical flying skills and their ability to generate aircraft in a simulated combat environment. (pacaf.af.mil)

ANA, AirAsia to set up budget carrier joint venture in Japan

by Kyodo

All Nippon Airways Co. and AirAsia Bhd. of Malaysia have agreed to establish a budget airline joint venture in Japan and begin domestic and international flights from Narita airport near Tokyo as early as next year, industry sources said Thursday. The Japanese airline known as ANA and AirAsia, one of Asia's largest budget carriers, will announce their agreement later Thursday, the sources said. (Kyodo)