Japan deploys its first F-35A

The first operational Japan Air Self-Defense Force F-35A 89-8706 taxis during an arrival ceremony at Misawa Air Base on January 26, 2018. SSgt Deana Heitzman/US Air Force

The Japanese Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) delivered its first Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, serial number 89-8706 (c/n AX- 06), to the 3rd Air Wing at Misawa Air Base on January 26. The aircraft, the second built in Japan (79-8705 c/n AX-05 was the first) underwent inspection and assembly at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ F-35 final assembly and checkout production facility at Nagoya. This is the first of ten Japanese F-35As scheduled for delivery in 2018. A total of 40 F-35As of the 42 ordered for the JASDF – 38 of which will be built in Japan – will be based at Misawa. A followon order for additional F-35As is reportedly under consideration. David C Isby