What Japan Thought About The Bf 109

Published Jun 17, 2025 By Rej

YouTube / History X

In 1941, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service got their hands on a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and ran a series of tests to see how it compared to their own fighters. So, what did they think of Germany’s most famous fighter?

The Japanese Bf-109

During WWII, it wasn’t unusual for countries to test each other’s aircraft—whether captured in battle or obtained through allies. When the Bf 109 emerged in the late 1930s, Japan took notice.

The Japanese military attaché in Berlin quickly sent word back to Tokyo with details on the aircraft, including what it would take to bring one home. By 1940, a small batch of Bf 109s had been ordered and arrived in Japan by May 1941. They were assembled and flown in comparison tests against several Japanese Army fighters, including the Type 97, Ki-44, Ki-45, and the prototype Ki-60.

Opinion on the Bf-109

In July 1941, at the Akeno Army Aviation School, a Bf 109 E-7—flown by a German test pilot—was put through its paces alongside Japanese aircraft in simulated dogfights and performance trials.

The Japanese praised its acceleration and diving ability, and they were impressed by the aircraft’s structural strength, especially during high-speed dives. But when it came to dogfighting, they weren’t so enthusiastic. They felt the Bf 109 struggled in tight turns and bled speed quickly during climbs and combat maneuvers—key factors in close-range aerial battles favored by Japanese doctrine.

Interestingly, they also saw value in the Bf 109’s production design, noting it could serve as a reference for Japan’s own mass production efforts.

Two Perspectives, One Plane

What’s fascinating here is how differently aircraft could be judged depending on the needs and tactics of the nation doing the testing. What the Germans saw as a top-tier fighter, the Japanese saw as inferior in a turning fight, which was central to their air combat philosophy.