Japan ramps up F-35 force posture

The JASDF held a delivery ceremony for its first three F-35A aircraft equipped with the Technology Refresh-3 configuration, at Komatsu Air Base, Japan, on 26 April 2025. (JASDF/US Joint Program office (JPO))

The Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) has strengthened the force posture along its northern coastline by initiating the deployment of new Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II fifth-generation fighter aircraft to Komatsu Air Base in Japan's main island of Honshu.

Simultaneously, Japan is also preparing to start training operations at Nyutabaru Air Base for F-35B vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter aircraft on contract. The first batch of aircraft is due for delivery in 2025.

The Komatsu deployment was prompted by Japan's acquisition of its first three F-35A aircraft in the new Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) configuration, according to the US F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). The three aircraft arrived at Komatsu on 1 April. With the induction of the three aircraft, Japan now has 41 F-35A aircraft in service.

Until this deployment, the JASDF's F-35A fleet was restricted to Misawa Air Base in northern Japan.

However, the decision to deploy newly arriving F-35A aircraft at Komatsu was prompted by a need to “improve Japan's air defences” along the Sea of Japan (East Sea), Japanese Minister of Defence Gen Nakatani said.

This deployment will also allow the JASDF to “utilise the training airspace around the Sea of Japan (East Sea), which is a very large airspace”, he added.

Strategic location

The JPO described Komatsu as being “strategically located” and added that the airbase “is Japan's only fighter base on the Sea of Japan [East Sea] coast”. The deployment will “enhance” the JASDF's “operational capabilities and strengthen Japan's air defence posture”, the JPO said in a statement on 6 May.