US to deploy F-35As to Japan base by early 2026
The Misawa base runway is jointly used by the US military and Japan’s Air Self-Defence Force which began stationing F-35As in 2018. (Photo: USAF)
The US is slated to begin deploying F-35A fighter jets to Misawa Air Base in Japan by early 2026, according to local government sources.
As reported by The Japan Times, officials from the government of Misawa and the prefecture Aomori were told that the number of 36 F-16s at the Misawa base would reduce from the middle of 2025, with the F-35A deployed in early 2026.
According to the source, facilities at the Misawa base – including hangars for the jets – will also need to be renovated or rebuilt.
Related Articles
US F-15EX operational deliveries begin as plan to base aircraft in Japan unveiled
This announcement reaffirms the US Department of Defense’s (DoD) own release in July 2024 of its plans for the US Air Force (USAF) to upgrade its tactical aircraft across Japan. At the time, it said the US Air Force would upgrade its presence at Misawa Air Base from 36 F-16s to 48 F-35A aircraft, but did not disclose a specific date.
The US$10 billion modernisation plan is expected to be carried out over the next “several years” according to the DoD, to boost the US-Japan alliance and act as a regional deterrence against growing threats from China, Russia and North Korea.
Other bases that will also see USAF aircraft modernisation plans include Kadena Air Base, where the US will deploy F-15EX aircraft to replace 48 F-15C/D aircraft.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.