Particle.news
Download on the App Store
10 ARTICLES
·
12h ago

Japan Deploys First F-35B Stealth Fighters to Nyutabaru Base

A provisional squadron will start pilot training at Nyutabaru ahead of the fourth jet delivery, with Mageshima runway upgrades pending.

Image
A Japanese F-35B stealth fighter jet lands on Nyutabaru Air Base in Japan for deployment on August 7, 2025.
Photo courtesy of JASDF
Image

Overview

  • Japan received its first three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base on August 7, with a fourth aircraft delayed and four more scheduled by March 2026.
  • A provisional F-35B squadron formed in late March will begin pilot training and maintenance preparations at Nyutabaru.
  • The B-variant’s short-takeoff and vertical-landing capability enables operations from the JS Izumo and JS Kaga vessels, which are being converted into light carriers.
  • Delivery of the initial jets was postponed from the previous fiscal year due to technical adjustments and software development requirements.
  • Delayed runway completion on Mageshima Island will extend vertical-landing drills at Nyutabaru until around 2030, drawing protests over aircraft noise.