The F-4 is the supersonic fighter developed by McDonnell Douglas for U.S. Navy, with its 1st flight in 1958. In Japan, was introduced into the Air Self-Defense Force, and made and licensed as the F-4EJ. MHI is the primary contractor. With delivery beginning in 1971 to the Air Self-Defense Force, a complete of 140 units are manufactured so far. in this aircraft, the multiple seats are arranged lengthwise, and this style is employed by the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Air Force, and by numerous countries in the world. Approximately 5,200 units are manufactured.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force received 154 Japanese F-4EJ Phantoms together with the ultimate Phantom designed worldwide. All Japanese F-4EJs are optimized for the air defense role and used to equip six interceptor squadrons. In total 96 upgraded to the F-4EJ "Kai" (new) standard and serve the JASDF well into the new millenium. For recce 14 RF-4EJs are received, later boosted with 17 F-4EJs converted to reconnaissance Phantom as RF-4EJ-Kai.
