The arrival of the fighters at Misawa marks a new phase of the U.S. air presence in the Indo-Pacific and strengthens military integration with Japan.
F-35A Lightning II fighters from the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on March 28, 2026. According to the U.S. Air Force, the move marks the beginning of the unit’s transition to fifth-generation airpower and the permanent basing of these aircraft in the northern part of the country.
The arrival of the aircraft was presented by the United States as part of an effort to modernize its air force and reinforce its commitment to the defense of Japan and stability in the Indo-Pacific. According to the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa holds a strategic position for rapid response and integration with Japanese partners.
In an official statement, the commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, Colonel Paul Davidson, said that the presence of the F-35 at Misawa strengthens the ability to operate in an integrated manner with Japan.
Lieutenant Colonel John Widmer, commander of the 13th Fighter Squadron, highlighted that the aircraft enhances situational awareness and was designed to operate in advanced threat environments, with strong sensor integration and low observability.
The U.S. Air Force also stated that personnel from the wing spent months preparing for the arrival of the new fighters, with training, infrastructure upgrades, and coordination to sustain the aircraft at operational readiness. Images released by DVIDS show the F-35A at Misawa upon arrival and during activities at the base.
The permanent basing of F-35A aircraft at Misawa expands joint defense capabilities between the United States and Japan at a time of continued attention to the military balance in the Indo-Pacific. The USAF states that the reinforcement helps keep the 35th Fighter Wing ready to defend Japan and enhance regional deterrence.
+ Ukrainian attack damages Russian icebreaker Purga and raises alarm in naval warfare
Source and images: DVIDS / U.S. Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
