Japan will send the F-35 Lightning II overseas for the first time in history - the fifth-generation fighters will fly to Australia

Japan's Air Self-Defence Force has announced that fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighter jets will take part in military exercises overseas. This is the first time in history that Japanese aircraft will leave the Land of the Rising Sun.

Here's What We Know

At the end of August, the F-35As belonging to the 3rd Air Wing, which is based at Misawa, will depart for Australia. The fifth-generation fighters will take part in a military exercise for a fortnight.

The Japanese aircraft will be stationed at the Royal Australian Air Force's Darwin and Tindal bases. The latter should not be confused with the Tyndall base in Florida, USA.

The exercise will start on 21 August and end on 2 September. On their way to Australia, the F-35s will land at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Japan will also send KC-767, C-130 Hercules and Kawasaki C-2 aircraft to Australia.

Source: Defence News