Japanese F-15 fighter jet, crew go missing after takeoff
A McDonnell Douglas F-15C Eagle fighter jet of the United States is seen during the takeoff phase at the 9th Athens Flying Week 2021 air show in Tanagra Air Base, Greece, Sept. 5, 2021 (Reuters Photo)


An F-15 fighter jet belonging to the Japanese military, along with a crew of two went missing after taking off during a training flight on Monday, according to local media.

The fighter jet took the flight from Komatsu Air Base in the central Ishikawa province and belongs to Japan's Air Self-Defense Force, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported.

The F-15 fighter jet disappeared from radar after taking off, the report quoted unnamed sources from Japan's Defense Ministry.

The sources added the jet lost contact with the radar at around 5:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. GMT) over the Sea of Japan.

During the search and rescue operations, the Air Self-Defense Force found some "floating objects in the area" from where the jet lost contact.

The local coast guard said it received a call "around the same time reporting a red glow off the coast of Kaga near the base."

The jet was part of a squadron that "functions as enemy aircraft in tactical flight training," according to Japan's air force.