History

The Mitsubishi T-2 supersonic two-seat advanced trainer was developed in the late 1960s, early 1970s to help the pilots' transition from the F-104J to the F-4EJ. The prototype for the T-2 (XT-2) was first flown on 20 July 1971. The succes of the T-2 design led to the development of a single-seat attack derivative with a counter-air capability. Two T-2s were converted to a single-seat fighter variant and redesignated FST-2. The first flight of this prototype took place on 3 June 1975.

In April 1978 the first F-1 entered JASDF (Japanese Self Defense Force) service. A total of 77 aircraft were built. During the period 1990-1993 the aircraft were upgraded. The F-1 is now scheduled to be replaced by the F-2, which is the Japanese version of the
F-16 Fighting Falcon.

The F-1 was the first combat turbojet powered aircraft developed by Japan since World War II.