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2d ago

UK, US and Japanese Fleets Complete F-35B Drills as HMS Prince of Wales Docks in Yokosuka

Signaling growing allied power projection in the Indo-Pacific, the exercise follows Japan’s delivery of its first F-35Bs that have sparked local noise protests.

UK F-35B landing and taking off from JMSDF JS Kaga for the first time. Credit: Royal Navy.
UK F-35 lands on JS Kaga
In this photo provided on August 12, 2025, an F-35B fighter jet takes off from the Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga in the northern Philippine Sea, while the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales sails nearby in the background.
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Overview

  • Allied forces wrapped up a nine-day Northern Philippine Sea exercise featuring integrated F-35B operations, including the first UK jet landing on Japan’s carrier JS Kaga.
  • HMS Prince of Wales began a three-week port call at Yokosuka Naval Base for maintenance and defence engagement events after concluding the drills.
  • Japan received its first four F-35B jets on August 7 and has based them at Nyutabaru Air Base as part of a planned fleet of 42 and Izumo-class ship conversions.
  • Residents near Nyutabaru have staged protests over noise concerns tied to up to 100 monthly F-35B training flights, about 40 of which are slated for nighttime.
  • Chinese state media portrayed Japan’s carrier-capable expansion as destabilizing, while allied officials say the drills strengthen deterrence for a free and open Indo-Pacific.