Chapter 129 – Fox Hunt over Sakhalin
As soon as the fighter planes took off, they climbed upward at steep angles—more than 60 degrees. The aircraft behind followed the same maneuver.
Even this simple takeoff action made an impression. When they first arrived at Misawa Base, many envied the pilots of the 13th Air Force flying the F-4s. But now, watching the F-15s soar vertically, they understood: this was what a true fighter looked like. If it were an F-4 attempting such a climb, it would stall and fall.
Each F-15 had six underwing hardpoints. Loaded with four AIM-9J missiles and two AIM-7F missiles, plus an additional fuel tank mounted on the centerline of the fuselage, these were standard air combat loadouts. Ten missiles per plane—enough to counter anything the Soviets might field. More importantly, these were the latest air-to-air missiles in the U.S. arsenal.
During the Vietnam War, the U.S. Air Force primarily used the AIM-9G missile. Based on vacuum tube technology, it was notoriously unreliable. Its successor, the AIM-9H, retained most of its predecessor's systems but improved the tracking rate to 20 degrees per second, making it the most maneuverable missile of its era.
The current AIM-9J was a further improvement. With increased range and stronger countermeasure resistance, it also featured better seekers. Though not fully omnidirectional, it came close—foreshadowing the AIM-9L that would enter mass service by 1978. The AIM-9J laid the foundation, boosting warhead power, maneuverability, and seeker responsiveness.
As for the AIM-7F Sparrow, which entered service in 1976, it represented a significant leap. Its propulsion used a new two-stage Hercules D.7E2 engine, increasing effective range. The guidance system was built on solid-state electronics, enhancing reliability. The warhead had also been upgraded. Except for reduced performance during low-altitude engagements due to ground radar reflections, the missile had few flaws.
Equipped with these two missile types, the pilots of the 14th Flight Team brimmed with confidence. Aside from a few aircraft under maintenance, the unit scrambled 18 F-15s toward Sakhalin.
This was a clear show of force—a calculated act of provocation to protest the Soviet shootdown. The message was simple: the U.S. was willing to use military power to defend its citizens and principles.
Eighteen F-15s departed Misawa Base in staggered launches. As they approached Hokkaido, they were to be joined by eight F-4EJ fighters from the 201st Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, based at Chitose.
"Fox Hunting Team, Fox Hunting Team, be advised—the Chitose flight group is holding position 50 kilometers ahead," the voice from the airborne early warning aircraft crackled through the headset.
The famed E-3 Sentry had just entered U.S. service earlier that month and had not yet deployed to the Far East. For now, the Yokota-based EC-121 handled early warning duties.
Developed from the C-121 transport, the EC-121 family had numerous variants. The EC-121D and EC-121K were designed for training and warning, the EC-121M for reconnaissance, the EC-121P for anti-submarine warfare, and the EC-121Q for combined early warning and control.
Among them, the EC-121C was the earliest version used by the Air Force. Introduced in 1953, it featured a 2.44-meter dorsal radome housing the AN/APS-20 radar, capable of detecting targets within a 400-kilometer range.
"Fox Hunting Squadron copies," Captain Nathaniel Christopher replied calmly. The radar already displayed friendly signatures—F-4s from the Japanese side.
Technically, the F-15 squadron alone could handle this mission, but command had ordered the Self-Defense Force to accompany them—likely to serve as a buffer or, in an emergency, as the first line of contact.
This was evident in deployment patterns. Despite having two airbases on Hokkaido, the U.S. had stationed no assets there, instead relying on the more rearward Misawa Base for strategic security.
Fifty kilometers disappeared quickly at cruising speed. Soon, the Japanese F-4s with red Hinomaru roundels appeared ahead.
"Chitose Flying Team, Chitose Flying Team, join up," Nathaniel called over the open frequency.
The channel had been pre-coordinated. Captain Yamada, flying lead for the Japanese squadron, responded, and eight F-4s joined the U.S. formation.
Operating his own aircraft, Yamada couldn't help but admire the American planes. Their cutting-edge design and performance stood out clearly. In a couple of years, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force would also receive a batch. Once that happened, they would no longer have to fear Soviet MiG-25s.
Still, the MiG-25 remained daunting. Rumors throughout the JASDF described it as an unmatched interceptor. If encountered over Sakhalin today, their only options might be to flee—or die trying.
But Yamada reminded himself that Sakhalin, once part of Japan, had been lost after World War II. Today, he flew not only as an ally of the United States, but with a quiet sense of national pride.
Twenty-six aircraft crossed Hokkaido and moved toward Sakhalin, crossing the Sea of Okhotsk. As they formed up, they were quickly detected by Soviet radar stations on the island.
The Americans were coming.
A shrill alarm sounded over Kamenei Iluchii Air Base.
The Americans had scrambled multiple fighters and were flying directly toward Sakhalin airspace.
Located on the southern edge of the island, Kamenei Iluchii was the Soviet frontline against any approach from Hokkaido. In the past, American and Japanese fighters had avoided direct north-south routes to prevent escalation. This time, they flew straight and true.
It was a clear provocation.
The airspace of the Soviet Union was sovereign and would be defended.
Su-15 interceptors from the 592nd Regiment began launching in waves.