title: 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)
text: # 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (JASDF)
  
  The 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron (第8飛行隊 (dai-hachi-hikoutai)) is a squadron of the 8th Air Wing of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force based at Tsuiki Air Base, in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. It is equipped with Mitsubishi F-2 and Kawasaki T-4 aircraft.
  
  ## Tail markings
  
  The squadron's tail marking is of a black leopard.
  
  ## In popular culture
  
  The squadron appeared in the 1993 anime film Patlabor 2: The Movie and in the 2016 film Shin Godzilla.
  
  ## Aircraft operated
  
  ### Fighter aircraft
  
  * North American F-86F Sabre (1960-1980)
  * Mitsubishi F-1 (1980-1997)
  * McDonnell Douglas F-4EJ Kai (1997-2009)
  * Mitsubishi F-2 (2008-present)
  
  ### Liaison aircraft
  
  * Lockheed T-33A (1959-1992)
  * Mitsubishi T-2 (1981-2006)
  * Kawasaki T-4 (1991-present)
  