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 48 F-35A aircraft are set to replace the 36 F-16s as part of the US Department of Defense’s plans to upgrade its aircraft across Japan.
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
-
![Boeing’s Ghost Bat clocks up the milestones and progresses as Saab Australia gets on board]()
Boeing’s Ghost Bat clocks up the milestones and progresses as Saab Australia gets on board
More than 100 hours of physical flight have taken place since the first flight of MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) four years ago and this has been underpinned by approximately 20,000 hours of flying the digital twin.
-
![Second Hypersonic Test Bed flight completed for US Missile Defence Agency]()
Second Hypersonic Test Bed flight completed for US Missile Defence Agency
The US Missile Defence Agency (MDA) teamed up with other Department of Defense organisations, industry and academia to conduct the test.
-
![QinetiQ wins $14 million contract to supply Vindicator drones to US Navy]()
QinetiQ wins $14 million contract to supply Vindicator drones to US Navy
The five-year contract is reportedly the largest provision of uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) support for use by the US Navy (USN) and will run until late 2029.
