The 35th Fighter Wing held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 24, 2026, at Misawa Air Base, Japan, officially inducting the F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters. This event not only represents a major step in military modernization but also strengthens the U.S.-Japan alliance within the Indo-Pacific region.
Misawa Air Base is now the first Pacific Air Forces installation in the Western Pacific to receive these advanced aircraft. The transition involves replacing 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons with 48 F-35As, enhancing both capacity and tactical reach.
The 35th Operations Group welcomed the F-35A on March 28, 2026, marking the beginning of this strategic conversion. Col. Paul Davidson emphasized that “as we bring the F-35 into the fight, our core purpose remains unchanged: to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, protect the force and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
In total, Japan has committed to purchasing 147 F-35 aircraft, which reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the United States. Misawa stands out as the only location globally where U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35As operate side by side.
The Pentagon announced a $10 billion modernization program in 2024 to support this transition. As part of this effort, the newly activated 35th Munitions Squadron will support the F-35A fleet with approximately 225 airmen.
Col. Davidson highlighted that “the F-35A represents the future of airpower and the strength of the alliance.” The aircraft is designed for effective operations within the first island chain battlespace and boasts improved stealth capabilities and longer flight ranges compared to its predecessor.
This induction is a significant milestone in military cooperation between Japan and the United States, particularly as tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region. Christopher Allison noted that “in a region this volatile, credible deterrence requires both cutting-edge capabilities and the resolve to deploy them effectively.”
As this modernization unfolds, it remains crucial for both nations to adapt their strategies to ensure regional stability.
