Japan is deploying eight aircraft, including four F-15 fighter jets, to bases in the United States, Canada and Europe in an unprecedented mission to support NATO.

The mission, dubbed Atlantic Eagles, reportedly marks the first time in history that Japanese warplanes have deployed to Canada and Europe.

A total of 180 personnel drawn from air bases across Japan are taking part, including from the 2nd Air Wing based at Chitose, 1st Tactical Airlift Wing based at Komaki, 2nd Tactical Airlift Group from Iruma and 3rd Tactical Airlift Wing from Miho, according to a Japan Air Self-Defense Force release. The four F-15s are being accompanied by two tanker aircraft and two refueling tankers.

The mission is “based on the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and of the Indo-Pacifi

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