The Intelligence Division of the Air Self-Defense Forces is Japan's primary imagery and imagery analysis organization. The ASDF possesses air reconnaissance units in order to provide effective support for air operations through air reconnaissance operations as necessary. The ASDF maintains one air reconnaissance squadron, based in Hyakuri, to engage in air reconnaissance in case of aggression and other eventualities.
A total of 17 F-14EJ Kais will be converted to the reconnaissance role, all being assigned to the 501st Hikotai [Squadron] "Teisatsu Kokutai" based at Hyakuri. This unit also uses the 12 remaining RF-4Es, ten of which are to Kai standards.