Japan has recently welcomed its first trio of Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters, marking a significant milestone in its defense capabilities. These advanced jets, known for their short take-off and vertical landing abilities, touched down at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki prefecture on August 7, piloted by US aviators. For now, Nyutabaru will serve as their home until a dedicated F-35B training facility on Mageshima Island is ready. Eventually, these fighters will operate from Japan’s revamped helicopter carriers, the JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which have been specially modified to accommodate the F-35B’s unique requirements. A fourth jet from this batch is also on its way.

Japan’s ambitious plan includes a fleet of 42 F-35Bs, complementing its existing lineup of 105 F-35As. This expansion will make Japan the largest operator of F-35s outside the US, showcasing its commitment to bolstering its defense forces. Interestingly, Japan is one of only three countries globally with a final assembly line for these aircraft, alongside Italy and the US. The first F-35A joined Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force in 2018, and as of now, 44 are operational. The introduction of the F-35B is a game-changer, allowing Japan to deploy stealth fighters from ships without the need for traditional catapult systems.

While the F-35Bs are stationed at Nyutabaru, Japan is busy constructing a new runway on Mageshima Island to support these jets. This facility will eventually host flight training and carrier integration exercises. However, the project has hit some roadblocks due to local protests over noise concerns, pushing the timeline for Mageshima’s readiness to at least 2030. In the meantime, the F-35Bs will continue their operations from land, with the ultimate goal of launching from the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, which have been upgraded to handle the demands of these cutting-edge fighters.

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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More