Japan prepares for the arrival of the first batch of fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters

Japan has begun preparations for the arrival of the first fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. The aircraft feature short takeoff and vertical landing.

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In autumn 2021, the US Marine Corps conducted the first-ever takeoff and landing test of fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters on the deck of the Japanese aircraft carrier JS Izumo. At that moment, it was the first time since the Imperial Navy that an aircraft took to the skies from a Japanese ship.

On the last day of summer 2023, the Ministry of Defence of the Land of the Rising Sun released the defence budget request for the next fiscal year. The amount was $52.9bn, which was a record.

Japan has begun preparations for the arrival of the first batch of fifth-generation F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing fighter jets. The six aircraft will arrive in the Land of the Rising Sun late next year.

The Air Self-Defence Force will establish a temporary F-35B squadron at Nyutabaru Air Base under the command of the 5th Air Wing. The aircraft will later be taken over by the Maritime Self-Defence Force.

The base has received funding to build a new air operations centre, hangar and supply depot. The government has allocated $12 million, $10 million and $6.6 million respectively. The current command centre will go into an underground bunker.

The choice of the base was influenced by its location. The aircraft carrier JS Kaga is based very close by. Fighters will be able to quickly rendezvous with the ship in the Pacific Ocean at the exit of the Seto Inner Sea and go on a mission. There is also an F-35B training range nearby.

Japan is building another military base 140 kilometres to the southwest. It will be located on the island of Migishima. Contractors are working without weekends to complete the work within four years. In the first year, the focus is on the construction of administrative buildings, fuel depots and two runways.

Only three countries currently have F-35B fighter jets: the US, UK, Italy. Japan has ordered 42 fifth-generation F-35B aircraft. Three years ago, the US approved a $20bn sale, which also included 63 F-35A fighters.

Source: Naval News