Japan opens first regional F135 engine centre for F-35 Lightning II fighters

While Norway is preparing to build a service centre for the F-35, Japan has already opened a regional service hub for the F135 propulsion system.

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Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) has opened the first F135 engine service centre in the Asia-Pacific region made by US company Pratt & Whitney. The work will take place at Mizuho Aero-Engine Works.

The regional hub began operating on 29 June. This was officially announced by the Japanese Ministry of Defence. IHI has begun repairing the F135 powerplants that equip F-35 fighter jets of Japan's Self-Defence Forces.

The Rising Sun country uses the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, but plans to arm the F-35B version with a short takeoff and vertical landing. Japan is the biggest customer for the F-35 outside the US.

The self-defence forces want 105 F-35A fighters and 42 F-35Bs in service. The 301st and 302nd squadrons now have 38 F-35As in service. They are stationed at the Misawa base.

Source: Nikkei