Based on Japan's Mitsubishi T-2 Trainer, the Mitsubishi F-1 is Japan's first domestically produced jet fighter since the end of World War II. Also despite having the same engines and similar design to the French/Anglo Sepecat Jaguar, the F-1, which entered production in 1978, was an indigenous Japanese production.

Although it is capable of aerial combat, the F-1 had a comparably short range and its main functions were ground attack and anti-ship roles. In addition to its internal 20mm Vulcan machine gun, it can carry a variety of weapons including air-to-air missiles, ASM-1 and ASM-2 cruise missiles, rocket pods and general-purpose bombs as well as those refitted to be precision guided weapons. It can also carry extra fuel tanks for extended flying time.

Though they would never fight against a human opponent, the F-1 would see war in 1984 when Godzilla seemingly returned from the dead. As JMSDF SH-60 Seahawk helicopters spotted Godzilla heading directly for Tokyo Bay, the F-1s scrambled to face him first. Although they attacked savagely, the F-1 fighters suffered heavy losses as they attempted to slow if not halt Godzilla's advance.

Due to the casualties as well as the need for more advanced and heavily armed aircraft, the JASDF would eventually phase out the F-1 and instead use F-15Js and the F-1 successor, a locally produced F-16s (designated as F-2s) in future engagements against Godzilla and the other kaiju.