What aircraft was sometimes called the "Japanese Jaguar"?

Short answer

The comparison points to the Mitsubishi T-2, whose configuration clearly recalled that of the two-seat Jaguar, sharing the same general layout. Japan went as far as negotiating to build the Jaguar under licence, but chose a design of its own, powered by the same Adour turbofans.

Published: November 4, 2026 · Updated: November 4, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What aircraft was sometimes called the "Japanese Jaguar"?

22SQ T-2 overkinkasan

An own design instead of the Jaguar

To fill that role, Japan studied both the Northrop T-38 Talon and the SEPECAT Jaguar, and negotiations with the Anglo-French SEPECAT consortium to build the Jaguar under licence were reportedly concluded, but in the end it opted for a design of its own. The configuration of the Mitsubishi T-2 was clearly reminiscent of that of the two-seat Jaguar: the two aircraft shared the general layout and a certain resemblance in some details.

The same engine on both sides of the world

The T-2 had two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour turbofans, the same type of engine used by the Jaguar, built under licence by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries under the designation TF40-IHI-801A. That Japanese version was derived from the Adour Mk 801, intended for the Mitsubishi T-2 and the JASDF's Mitsubishi F-1. The Adour also powered the McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk and the F-1 derived from the T-2.

The Jaguar in Europe

The Jaguar GR.1s replaced the Phantoms of No. 2 Squadron at RAF Laarbruch, in Germany, in 1976, with tactical reconnaissance as their main mission. Around 1981 came the re-engining with the improved Adour Mk.104, and in 1999 with the Mk.106, each of them offering higher performance.