Japan on Thursday received its first three F-35B stealth fighter jets at the Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

According to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF), the three jets are part of a planned deployment of four F-35Bs at the base, with the remaining aircraft expected to arrive at a later date. These advanced jets are equipped with short take-off and vertical landing capabilities, allowing them to operate from Japan’s two retrofitted helicopter carriers — the JS Izumo and JS Kaga.

Japan’s Defense Ministry has also confirmed plans to deploy four additional F-35Bs to the Nyutabaru base by the end of March 2026.

Amid growing concerns over China’s expanding military presence, Japan has accelerated its defense buildup, particularly on remote islands in the southwest region.

In a separate incident Thursday, a Japanese F-2A fighter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the country’s eastern coast during a routine training flight. The pilot managed to eject safely and was rescued, the ASDF said. All training flights of the F-2A have been temporarily suspended pending safety inspections.

Meanwhile, construction is underway on a new airstrip on Mageshima Island, about 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru, which will eventually host F-35B training exercises. However, due to delays in construction, these drills will continue at Nyutabaru until around 2030 — a decision that has sparked protests from local residents concerned over increased aircraft noise.

Japan plans to acquire a total of 42 F-35B jets and 105 F-35A variants with conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) capabilities, making it the largest F-35 operator outside the United States.

Source: Agency