Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the Japanese aircraft manufacturer, has completed assembly of the 44th F-35A fighter jet for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
According to the portal Militarnyi, the information was reported by the Telegram channel Military Japan, which covers Japanese military developments.
This is the 44th F-35A assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (FACO) and the 48th aircraft produced for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
The aircraft, tail number 59-8748, is currently undergoing taxi tests at the assembly facilities located at Nagoya Airport.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force plans to acquire 105 F-35A fighters, which have already replaced two squadrons of F-4EJ Kai Phantom II aircraft retired in March 2021.
Additionally, the 303rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Komatsu Air Base is transitioning to the F-35A, replacing the pre-MSIP F-15J aircraft that will not be upgraded to the JSI version.
Alongside the 105 F-35As, Japan has ordered 42 F-35B fighters from the American company Lockheed Martin. Unlike the F-35A, the F-35B variant is manufactured in the United States and delivered to Japan by air.
Photos: X @787jal1 / Japan Air Self-Defense Force. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
