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2d ago

Japan Takes Delivery of First F-35B Stealth Jets at Nyutabaru

U.S. pilots ferried three jets to Kyushu in preparation for flight demonstrations under noise mitigation measures ahead of carrier conversion exercises.

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

  • Japan Air Self-Defense Force received three F-35B jets at Nyutabaru on Aug. 7, with a fourth deferred in the U.S. for maintenance.
  • The Defense Ministry expects four additional F-35Bs by March 2026 as part of a planned fleet of 42 STOVL jets.
  • A provisional F-35B squadron will conduct U.S.-led demonstration flights in September to train crews and address local noise concerns.
  • Vertical-landing drills will stay at Nyutabaru through 2030 due to delays in constructing the Mageshima runway.
  • JS Izumo and JS Kaga are undergoing heat-resistant deck and structural upgrades to host fixed-wing operations.