The 35th Fighter Wing celebrated a milestone at Misawa Air Base on April 24, 2026, with the induction of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, marking a significant modernization effort that enhances U.S.-Japan defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
This transition follows the welcome of the F-35A by the 35th Operations Group on March 28, 2026, as part of a strategic conversion from the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The decision to replace 36 F-16s with 48 F-35As aims to bolster both capacity and tactical reach in a region characterized by increasing security challenges.
Key facts:
- Misawa Air Base is the first Pacific Air Forces installation to receive the F-35A in the Western Pacific.
- The Pentagon announced a $10 billion modernization program in July 2024, which includes this transition.
- Japan has committed to purchasing a total of 147 F-35 aircraft, reinforcing the U.S.-Japan alliance.
Col. Paul Davidson emphasized that despite this technological shift, the core mission remains unchanged: to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific. He stated, “As we bring the F-35 into the fight, our core purpose remains unchanged: to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, protect the force and safeguard a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Moreover, Misawa stands out as the only location globally where U.S. Air Force and Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35As operate side by side. This collaboration is expected to enhance joint operational capabilities significantly.
According to sources, the newly inducted F-35A is designed to operate effectively within the first island chain battlespace, equipped with advanced situational awareness capabilities that surpass those of its predecessor. The activation of the 35th Munitions Squadron in mid-2024 further supports this fleet transformation.
As military modernization continues to unfold, officials have not shared specific timelines regarding future enhancements or additional acquisitions. The focus remains on integrating these advanced systems into existing operations while adapting to evolving threats in an increasingly volatile region.
