The Hyakuri Air Festival was held from December 7-8, 2024 in Ibaraki Airport, Japan. The Air Festival has gathered people from all across Japan to watch the spectacular performance by JASDF personnel.
Two birds stood out from the rest. F15J serial 52-8859, The “Fighting Dragon” was seen during the Air Festival and featured a colorful scheme to wish for welfare from the Noto Peninsula earthquake which happened in Ishikawa Province as well as commemorating the 70th anniversary of JASDF. 22-8930 also featured a beautiful scheme to commemorate the 70th anniversary of JASDF, this bird is from the 306 TFS from Komatsu Air Base.
Hyakuri Air Base is a Japanese air base located in Ibaraki Prefecture. It is a significant base for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Hyakuri was commissioned in the mid-20th century and has remained a key element of Japan’s post-war air defense posture.
The base is renowned for hosting various forms of aircraft and is involved in a number of air defense and training exercises. Hyakuri Air Base is especially renowned due to its proximity to cities, which at some point has made it necessary for careful coordination between military operations and civilian air traffic.
The Air Festival also featured the Blue Impulse, which is Japan Air Self-Defense Force’s (JASDF) regular aerobatic team operated by the Kawasaki T-4. It was established in 1960 and has a base of operation at Matsushima Air Base, Miyagi Prefecture. Blue Impulse is famous for its spectacular flying acts that showcase its precision flight capabilities and coordination between its aviators.
