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 event enhances U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
Misawa Air Base is the first Pacific Air Forces installation in the Western Pacific to receive the F-35A. The base is replacing 36 F-16 Fighting Falcons with 48 F-35As to increase capacity and tactical reach.
The transition began on March 28, 2026, when the 35th Operations Group welcomed the F-35A. This strategic shift is part of a $10 billion modernization program announced by the Pentagon in 2024.
Key facts:
- Japan has committed to purchasing 147 F-35 aircraft, reaffirming the U.S.-Japan alliance.
- The F-35A provides improved stealth and longer flight ranges compared to the F-16.
- The 35th Munitions Squadron was activated in mid-2024 to support the F-35A fleet.
Col. Paul Davidson emphasized that the core mission remains unchanged: strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. He stated, “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.”
Misawa is unique as it is the only location where U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35As operate side by side. The advanced capabilities of the F-35A are designed to operate effectively in first island chain battlespace with enhanced situational awareness.
This modernization effort reflects ongoing military developments in a volatile region. The next steps for this initiative are not yet clear, but it marks a significant evolution in airpower strategy for both nations.
