Japan Self-Defense Force fighter jet reportedly malfunctions during landing

Xinhua News Agency, Tokyo, August 18 (Reporter Li Ziyue, Chen Zean) According to a report by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation on the 18th, a Japan Self-Defense Forces F-15 fighter jet reportedly remained on the runway of Naha Airport in Okinawa due to a suspected malfunction during landing. The report cited information from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, stating that no reports of injuries have been received so far.

According to footage captured at the scene, around 12:56 local time, white smoke emerged near the wheel assembly at the moment of landing. Subsequently, the aircraft skidded on the runway, slowed down, and after rotating 180 degrees, finally came to a stop facing the opposite direction.

As of around 15:30, the aircraft was still on the runway, with its left wing in contact with the runway. Several Japan Air Self-Defense Force fire trucks were dispatched to the scene, and multiple personnel were inspecting the aircraft's condition.

Naha Airport officials stated that as a result, one of the two runways at the airport is currently closed. As of 14:30, more than ten flights at the airport have experienced delays.

The Japan Broadcasting Corporation reported that the F-15 fighter jet is the main combat aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, primarily responsible for tasks such as emergency scramble interception. It is approximately 19 meters long with a wingspan of about 13 meters, and around 200 units are currently deployed across various bases in Japan.