US Increases Japan’s Air Power with Next-Gen F-35 Squadrons Deployment
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On December 3, 2024, according to The Japan Times, the United States is about to strengthen its military presence in Japan by deploying 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture by early 2026. This initiative will replace the existing fleet of 36 F-16s, marking a significant upgrade as part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) broader strategy to modernize its aircraft stationed across Japan. The transition will begin in mid-2025 with a gradual reduction of the 36 F-16s, followed by the introduction of the F-35A fleet in the spring of 2026.
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US Next-Generation F-35A Fighter Jet (Picture source: US MoD)
The deployment requires substantial infrastructure improvements at Misawa Air Base, including the renovation and reconstruction of hangars and other essential facilities to accommodate the advanced stealth capabilities of the F-35A aircraft. Officials from the Misawa government and Aomori Prefecture have been informed of these necessary upgrades to ensure the seamless integration of the new aircraft. This modernization effort underscores the strategic importance of Misawa Air Base in the region, serving not only the U.S. armed forces but also Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) and the private airlines that share the runway.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the $10 billion modernization plan announced by the DoD in July 2024, aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhancing regional deterrence against the growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The plan includes the modernization of several bases across Japan, with Kadena Air Base also set to receive F-15EX aircraft to replace its current fleet of 48 F-15C/Ds. These improvements are expected to be carried out over several years, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to the deployment of aircraft, the modernization plan includes collaborations with defense contractors such as Babcock and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to provide training and support to air bases. Boeing’s order book has also benefited from new contracts with the U.S. Air Force, reflecting the scale of this upgrade. With the ASDF already operating 39 F-35A aircraft and planning to increase the number to 42 by the end of fiscal year 2024, the integration of American F-35As at Misawa will further enhance joint operational capabilities and ensure a unified defense strategy in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
Defense relations between Japan and the United States have undergone significant developments since 2021, with a series of agreements and strategic reforms aimed at strengthening their alliance in response to an increasingly tense regional environment. In 2021, the two countries signed an agreement to jointly develop advanced military technologies, notably in the field of hypersonic missiles. In 2022, Japan announced a historic increase in its defense budget, nearly doubling its military expenditures over five years in accordance with its new National Security Strategy adopted in December. This strategy aimed to address the growing threats from China and North Korea while reinforcing its role in the alliance with the United States.
In January 2023, a meeting of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (2+2) resulted in agreements to station modernized American units equipped with advanced missiles in the Okinawa region. In July 2024, the two countries took another step by announcing the coproduction of missiles such as the AMRAAM and PAC-3. In November 2024, the plan to deploy American missiles on the Nansei Islands and in the Philippines was confirmed, causing tensions with Russia and China. These events are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing defense capabilities and enhancing the interoperability of Japanese and American forces, illustrating unprecedented military cooperation in recent years.
For Japan, the deployment of F-35 fighters modernized by the United States offers several major strategic advantages. These aircraft, equipped with stealth capabilities and advanced sensors, significantly enhance the deterrence posture against the growing threats in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those from China and North Korea. Their presence on Japanese soil illustrates the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and provides a credible response to regional challenges. Furthermore, these deployments promote interoperability between Japanese and American forces, allowing for increased operational coordination during joint exercises or in times of crisis.
Japan, which is already a major operator of the F-35 with its own acquisitions, also benefits from technological spillovers and a shared maintenance infrastructure, supporting its military modernization efforts. Finally, the presence of these advanced fighters contributes to regional stability by balancing China’s growing military influence, while affirming Japan’s role as a key security actor in the Indo-Pacific.
In 2022, Japan had 27 operational F-35As. Since then, the number of aircraft has increased, although the exact current figures are not specified in available sources. Japan has ordered a total of 147 F-35s, including 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. In August 2023, Japan decided to acquire an additional 15 F-35s, bringing the total planned to 162 aircraft. Deliveries are ongoing, progressively strengthening the country’s air defense capabilities.
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On December 3, 2024, according to The Japan Times, the United States is about to strengthen its military presence in Japan by deploying 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets to Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture by early 2026. This initiative will replace the existing fleet of 36 F-16s, marking a significant upgrade as part of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) broader strategy to modernize its aircraft stationed across Japan. The transition will begin in mid-2025 with a gradual reduction of the 36 F-16s, followed by the introduction of the F-35A fleet in the spring of 2026.
US Next-Generation F-35A Fighter Jet (Picture source: US MoD)
The deployment requires substantial infrastructure improvements at Misawa Air Base, including the renovation and reconstruction of hangars and other essential facilities to accommodate the advanced stealth capabilities of the F-35A aircraft. Officials from the Misawa government and Aomori Prefecture have been informed of these necessary upgrades to ensure the seamless integration of the new aircraft. This modernization effort underscores the strategic importance of Misawa Air Base in the region, serving not only the U.S. armed forces but also Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) and the private airlines that share the runway.
This initiative is a cornerstone of the $10 billion modernization plan announced by the DoD in July 2024, aimed at strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance and enhancing regional deterrence against the growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The plan includes the modernization of several bases across Japan, with Kadena Air Base also set to receive F-15EX aircraft to replace its current fleet of 48 F-15C/Ds. These improvements are expected to be carried out over several years, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced military presence in the Indo-Pacific region.
In addition to the deployment of aircraft, the modernization plan includes collaborations with defense contractors such as Babcock and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to provide training and support to air bases. Boeing’s order book has also benefited from new contracts with the U.S. Air Force, reflecting the scale of this upgrade. With the ASDF already operating 39 F-35A aircraft and planning to increase the number to 42 by the end of fiscal year 2024, the integration of American F-35As at Misawa will further enhance joint operational capabilities and ensure a unified defense strategy in one of the world’s most strategically significant regions.
Defense relations between Japan and the United States have undergone significant developments since 2021, with a series of agreements and strategic reforms aimed at strengthening their alliance in response to an increasingly tense regional environment. In 2021, the two countries signed an agreement to jointly develop advanced military technologies, notably in the field of hypersonic missiles. In 2022, Japan announced a historic increase in its defense budget, nearly doubling its military expenditures over five years in accordance with its new National Security Strategy adopted in December. This strategy aimed to address the growing threats from China and North Korea while reinforcing its role in the alliance with the United States.
In January 2023, a meeting of the U.S.-Japan Security Consultative Committee (2+2) resulted in agreements to station modernized American units equipped with advanced missiles in the Okinawa region. In July 2024, the two countries took another step by announcing the coproduction of missiles such as the AMRAAM and PAC-3. In November 2024, the plan to deploy American missiles on the Nansei Islands and in the Philippines was confirmed, causing tensions with Russia and China. These events are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at modernizing defense capabilities and enhancing the interoperability of Japanese and American forces, illustrating unprecedented military cooperation in recent years.
For Japan, the deployment of F-35 fighters modernized by the United States offers several major strategic advantages. These aircraft, equipped with stealth capabilities and advanced sensors, significantly enhance the deterrence posture against the growing threats in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly those from China and North Korea. Their presence on Japanese soil illustrates the strength of the U.S.-Japan alliance and provides a credible response to regional challenges. Furthermore, these deployments promote interoperability between Japanese and American forces, allowing for increased operational coordination during joint exercises or in times of crisis.
Japan, which is already a major operator of the F-35 with its own acquisitions, also benefits from technological spillovers and a shared maintenance infrastructure, supporting its military modernization efforts. Finally, the presence of these advanced fighters contributes to regional stability by balancing China’s growing military influence, while affirming Japan’s role as a key security actor in the Indo-Pacific.
In 2022, Japan had 27 operational F-35As. Since then, the number of aircraft has increased, although the exact current figures are not specified in available sources. Japan has ordered a total of 147 F-35s, including 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. In August 2023, Japan decided to acquire an additional 15 F-35s, bringing the total planned to 162 aircraft. Deliveries are ongoing, progressively strengthening the country’s air defense capabilities.
