Citing broadcaster NHK, Japan Security Watch has said that a Japan Air Self-Defense Force Mitsubishi F-2 fighter inadvertently dropped two of its external fuel tanks into the Pacific Ocean off Guam on February 16th.
The F-2 was conducting a joint exercise based out of Guam (almost certainly Ex. Cope North) when the incident happened. Both tanks were seen falling into the ocean and there were no reports of damage and/or casualties. Other press reports have cited human error as the cause of this case, which I am presuming to mean the stores jettison switch was accidentally activated, causing the tanks to drop off the aircraft.
The Mitsubishi F-2 is capable of carrying two 600 US gallon (2271 litre) tanks in it's wings.
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