Japan recently received three advanced F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the United States, marking a significant addition to its aerial capabilities at the Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa. These jets are equipped with the latest TR-3 avionics hardware, which enhances their performance with upgraded displays, core processing units, and memory modules, enabling faster data processing and improved operational capabilities.
The integration of these F-35s into the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) involved extensive preparations, including interoperability exercises conducted in collaboration with Italy and the U.S. in the previous year. Notably, Japan deployed the Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) along the western coast of the U.S. to participate in additional drills, underscoring the focus on operational cohesion among allied forces.
The delivery of these aircraft forms part of Washington’s broader F-35 Lightning II Joint Program, aimed at enhancing the JASDF’s effectiveness amid a rapidly changing security landscape in the Indo-Pacific region. Lieutenant Colonel Ogino Masaki, the JASDF F-35 Program liaison officer, emphasized the necessity for upgraded air power, stating, “The security environment around the Indo-Pacific is becoming more dynamic and unstable, and the significant refinement and enhancement of our air power is an urgent requirement for Japan.”
The U.S. approved the sale of the F-35 jets to Japan in 2020, which included a substantial $23.11 billion deal, driven by concerns over the swift modernization of China’s military capabilities. This comprehensive package comprises 63 units of the conventional F-35A variant and 42 units of the F-35B, designed for short-takeoff and vertical-landing operations.
The F-35A variant boasts impressive specifications, featuring a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 (1,228 miles or 1,976 kilometers per hour) and a service ceiling of 50,000 feet (9.5 miles or 15 kilometers). With a robust air-to-surface missile configuration, it exhibits a combat range of 770 miles (1,240 kilometers), which can extend up to 870 miles (1,410 kilometers) when engaging in air-to-air missions.
This acquisition reinforces Japan’s commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities amid evolving global security challenges, while also enhancing cooperation with key allies in the region.
