The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) announced on 7/8 that its first three F-35B fighter jets have landed at Nyutabaru Air Base in southern Japan. While JASDF was expecting four aircraft in this initial delivery, one remains in the US and will be transferred later.
The next batch of four F-35Bs is scheduled for delivery to Japan at the end of 3/2026.
US pilots are expected to conduct demonstration flights at Nyutabaru in September to address local residents' noise concerns regarding the F-35B's vertical landing capabilities.
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F-35B fighter jets at Nyutabaru Air Base on 7/8. Photo: JASDF |
F-35B fighter jets at Nyutabaru Air Base on 7/8. Photo: JASDF
JASDF acknowledges noise as the primary concern among residents, and the Japanese Ministry of Defense is currently reviewing the issue. F-35B squadron training at Nyutabaru will commence only after this assessment is complete.
A dedicated base for the F-35Bs is under construction on the uninhabited Mageshima Island, about 160 km south of Nyutabaru, with completion expected in 2030.
Although assigned to JASDF, these F-35Bs will operate from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) JS Izumo and JS Kaga aircraft carriers. These warships were originally helicopter destroyers, but have been modified to accommodate the F-35B.
Japan has ordered a total of 147 F-35 fighters, including 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of fifth-generation fighters outside the US. JASDF has already received 40 F-35As, which are assigned to two fighter squadrons at Misawa Air Base.
The F-35B, designed for the US Marine Corps, features short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships with smaller decks than traditional aircraft carriers. However, the STOVL system's bulk reduces the F-35B's range and maneuverability compared to the Air Force's F-35A and the Navy's F-35C variants.
In addition to the US Marine Corps, several US allies have also ordered and are operating the F-35B.
Nguyen Tien (Aviationist, AFP, AP)
