Japan’s defense landscape is undergoing a significant transformation with the imminent arrival of its first F-35B stealth fighter jets, a crucial step in bolstering its air power and strategic capabilities. As the largest F-35 operator after the United States, Japan’s commitment to modernizing its military is evident through its acquisition program, which includes both F-35A and the highly anticipated F-35B models.
After a brief delay, Lockheed Martin is set to complete the delivery of the initial F-35B aircraft to the Japanese military in August, as confirmed by the nation’s Ministry of Defense. These advanced short takeoff vertical landing (STOVL) multirole fighters are slated to arrive at Nyutabaru Airbase on the southern island of Kyushu as early as August 7, marking a new era for Japan’s aerial defense.
To ensure a smooth integration and address community concerns, American pilots will ferry the F-35B jets to Japan and conduct a demonstration flight over the base in September. This public display aims to assuage local anxieties regarding potential noise from the multirole stealth fighter, particularly during its unique vertical landing maneuvers, highlighting the collaborative efforts in this defense initiative.
This latest acquisition builds upon Japan’s existing fleet of over 40 Lockheed Martin F-35A fifth-generation stealth fighters, with the most recent batch of three conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variants arriving in May. These cutting-edge aircraft, outfitted with the advanced TR-3 avionics hardware and software upgrade, were also flown directly from the United States, landing at Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa.
The strategic imperative behind Japan’s enhanced air power is underscored by the evolving security environment in the Indo-Pacific region, which military experts describe as increasingly dynamic and unstable. As Lieutenant Colonel Ogino Masaki, JASDF F-35 Program liaison officer, articulated upon the F-35A’s arrival in May, the “significant refinement and enhancement of our air power is an urgent requirement for Japan” to effectively address these regional challenges.
Japan’s comprehensive F-35 program of record outlines plans to receive a total of 105 F-35A models and 42 F-35Bs, signifying a substantial investment in its future defense capabilities. While the initial F-35Bs are being flown in from the United States, future F-35A units will undergo assembly at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Final Assembly and Check Out (FACO) facility in Nagoya, a testament to growing domestic involvement in advanced defense technology.
The long-term vision for the F-35B is particularly transformative, as these stealth fighters are destined to be embarked on the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s (JMSDF’s) two Izumo-class multipurpose helicopter-destroyers. This strategic move will enable these warships to operate with the STOVL fighters, effectively allowing them to serve as Japan’s first aircraft carriers since the Second World War, profoundly altering the nation’s maritime power projection.
In the interim, intensive F-35B STOVL training is slated to commence at Nyutabaru, with projections indicating as many as 100 vertical landings will be carried out monthly, including 40 during nighttime hours. The Japanese Self Defense Force (JSDF) has reiterated its commitment to community engagement, stating that the flight demonstration will allow local residents to experience the F-35B’s noise characteristics firsthand, followed by a comprehensive review of the findings by the Ministry of Defense.
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