The planes of the Land of the Rising Sun are famous for their maneuverability (well, at least many of them). They are pretty balanced: there are models for both beginners and experienced players.
Also, We advise you to read a helpful article: Best Japanese Tanks by Tier in War Thunder.
Next in the article are the best planes of Japan in every tier in 2024.
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Tier I – H6K4
The H6K4 is a large bomber with a decent amount of ammunition. However, its size is also its biggest problem. It’s enormous, which makes it an attractive target for enemy fighters.
The H6K4 is the best at destroying bases, thanks to its 1,600 kg payload (2 800 kg each).
Tier II – D4Y3 Ko
Multi-purpose aircraft D4Y3 Ko is not wrong to attack aircraft, good fighters, or bombers. They are best in battles against ground targetsโthanks to 500-kg bombs and powerful machine guns for rifles, not pistol cartridges.
Tier III – Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
The Ki-61-II Otsu Kai turns well and conserves energy. It has relatively low wing loading (less than similar airframes of other countries) and is easy to learn. Although it can’t be ideal for beginners, as it will take some time to get used to the long climb, the airplane is generally reasonable.
Tier IV – G8N1
Players didn’t like the G8N1 when it was released. There was a reason for that: the plane was frankly weak. But it was fixed with patches over time, and now it is pretty playable. It performs the role of a traditional heavy bomberโideal for destroying bases and airfields.
Tail turrets help to defend against pursuers, so the device will not be vulnerable if you want it to be.
Tier V – Ki-200
Small, elegant, lightweight, elusiveโthat’s what the Ki-200 is all about. Its excellent energy storage lets it wear down its opponents with constant jabs. The Ki-200 is also equipped with several 30 mm cannons, which turn these “jabs” into something much more dangerous.
However, the airplane is vulnerable. It can’t afford to take hits, and the wings come off at speeds above 700 km/h.
Tier VI – F-104J
This is an airplane for experienced players. It is probably the most difficult for Japan in principle. It does not forgive mistakes. The control reflects the complexity: the aircraft has extremely poor overall maneuverability. It is equally disgusting at low and high speeds, so you must get used to itโand for a long time.
However, when used properly, the F-104J is a truly formidable weapon. It has high-rate-of-fire M61 cannons, six AIM-9P missiles on board, an outstanding roll, and a reasonable rate of climb.
The F-104J has it all.
Tier VII – F-4EJ Phantom II
In principle, it is one of the strongest fighters in its tier among all countries. Powerful engines allow it to gain the necessary speed with altitude quickly, and onboard radar helps to find targets and guide air-to-air missiles.
The F-4EJ Phantom II, like other Phantoms, suffers from low maneuverability characteristics.
Tier VIII – F-16AJ
The F-16AJ is a powerful fighter. It is not as good as other F-Cs along the lines of the F-16C, but it is still at a decent level. Light, maneuverable, and extremely powerful. Rightfully holds the title of Japan’s best dogfighter.
The only disadvantages, perhaps, are small combat safety and high fuel consumption (and that only when the afterburner is activated).