The 35th Fighter Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Misawa Air Base on April 24, 2026, marking the induction of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters. This move not only modernizes the U.S. military presence in Japan but also strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance in the increasingly volatile Indo-Pacific region.
Key facts:
- Misawa Air Base is the first Pacific Air Forces installation in the Western Pacific to receive the F-35A.
- The transition involves replacing 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons with 48 F-35As to enhance tactical reach.
- Japan has committed to purchasing a total of 147 F-35 aircraft, reaffirming its partnership with the United States.
This transition is part of a broader $10 billion military modernization program announced by the Pentagon in 2024. The U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force will now operate F-35As side by side at Misawa—a unique arrangement globally.
Col. Paul Davidson emphasized that while they welcome advanced capabilities, their core mission remains unchanged: to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and ensure security in a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The F-35A offers improved stealth and longer flight ranges compared to the older F-16, making it a vital asset for regional security. As Lt. Gen. Joel Carey noted, this fifth-generation fighter transcends mere replacement; it symbolizes a leap forward in airpower capabilities.
In an era marked by geopolitical tensions, credible deterrence relies on cutting-edge technology and readiness to deploy it effectively—an assertion echoed by Christopher Allison.
Looking ahead, the activation of the 35th Munitions Squadron in mid-2024 will support this new fleet of F-35s, which is poised to operate effectively within the first island chain battlespace.
