Japan retires its last McDonnell Douglas RF-4E/EJ “Photo Phantoms” recon aircraft

One of the RF-4E Photo Phantoms of the JASDF. Photo c/o K. Yuuki through Planespotters.net.

The Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) has retired its fleet of McDonnell Douglas RF-4E/EJ Phantom photo-reconnaissance aircraft, with the last flight conducted on 09 March 2020 to pay tribute to the type’s service.

The last six (6) RF-4Es were retired, all being operated by the 501st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron based in Hyakuri Air Base. 

With the “Photo Phantoms” retirement, the squadron will also be disbanded, with reconnaissance missions to be handed over to other units as the JASDF introduces new assets, including the RQ-4 Global Hawk.

The RF-4E was first introduced with the JASDF with the delivery of the first aircraft “Shark 901” with tail number 47-6901 in 1974 and eventually replacing the North American RF-86F Sabre recon aircraft.

The aircraft type was famous for their signature “Woody Woodpecker” squadron emblem and different camouflage schemes including the “blue offshore” pattern.


[1] The Aviationist