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Japan has taken delivery of its first three F-35B Lightning II stealth fighter jets, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. The jets arrived at Nyutabaru Air Base in the Miyazaki prefecture on August 7, 2025.

A fourth aircraft, originally scheduled to arrive the same day, was delayed due to maintenance and inspection requirements in the United States, according to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Officials said its delivery date has not yet been determined.

The three short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) fighters are assigned to a provisional JASDF F-35B squadron that will temporarily operate from Nyutabaru, located on the southern island of Kyushu. The new jets are intended to operate from two modified Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, JS Izumo (DDH-183) and JS Kaga (DDH-184). These vessels have been upgraded to accommodate the F-35B’s unique operational requirements.

To date, both ships have only conducted flight operations with U.S.-operated F-35Bs. In October 2021, JS Izumo hosted training drills with the U.S. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 242, known as the “Bats.” Last year, JS Kaga participated in a U.S. Navy test involving the “Salty Dogs” of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) and test pilots from the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force.

JS Izumo is currently undergoing its second and final stage of modifications to fully support F-35B operations. JS Kaga, meanwhile, is engaged in joint drills with the USS George Washington, the U.K. carrier strike group, and the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6).

The exercises are expected to include cross-deck landings and take-offs by U.S. Marine Corps and Royal Navy F-35Bs. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 is currently deployed aboard both USS America and the Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (R09).

On Aug 7, three #F35B assigned to the Temporary F-35B Squadron arrived at Nyutabaru AB. #JASDF will continue further refining and strengthening Japan’s air capability through the deployment of F-35B. pic.twitter.com/QWwg0o2zzy

— Japan Air Self-Defense Force (@JASDF_PAO_ENG) August 7, 2025

Training and Local Opposition

U.S. pilots ferried the three newly delivered F-35Bs to Japan and will also serve as instructors as Japan builds up its operational capacity with the aircraft. The U.S. Marine Corps remains the only American service operating the B variant, which is optimized for operations from short runways and amphibious ships.

Japan’s Ministry of Defense (MOD) initially planned to restrict vertical landing training for the F-35Bs at Nyutabaru due to noise concerns raised by residents. Training was instead to be conducted at a newly constructed facility on Mageshima Island, an uninhabited island located about 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru.

However, construction delays at Mageshima have pushed the expected completion date to 2030. As a result, the MOD revised its policy to allow vertical landing training at Nyutabaru in the interim. The decision has been met with opposition from some local government officials and residents, prompting the MOD to review its training plans. The ministry expects to present a revised proposal in September, with no vertical landing training to be carried out until then.

The base at Mageshima will eventually serve as a key training hub for the F-35B, providing a dedicated location for flight exercises and reducing operational pressure on mainland bases.

Japan’s expanding F-35 fleet

Japan has committed to a major expansion of its F-35 fleet, aiming to operate a total of 147 aircraft: 105 of the conventional take-off and landing F-35A model, and 42 of the STOVL F-35B model. When deliveries are complete, Japan will be the largest operator of F-35 fighters outside the United States.

The JASDF plans to receive eight F-35Bs by March 31, 2026, including the three that arrived Thursday. The advanced fifth-generation fighters feature stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and the ability to operate from shorter runways or aircraft carriers, giving Japan greater flexibility in responding to regional security challenges.

Regional security context

Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B comes as it accelerates its military buildup in response to what it views as growing security threats from China and North Korea. In recent years, China has increased military activities near Japanese territory, including around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, which are administered by Japan but claimed by China.

By equipping its Izumo-class vessels with F-35Bs, Japan will be able to project air power farther from its shores, improving deterrence and rapid-response capabilities. The aircraft’s ability to operate from both land bases and ships allows Japan to adapt quickly in the event of a crisis.

Global expansion of STOVL capabilities

Several other nations are also expanding their short take-off and vertical-landing fighter fleets. Singapore has ordered 12 F-35Bs and eight F-35As, with deliveries beginning in 2026. All aircraft will operate under the Republic of Singapore Air Force, which also oversees the nation’s naval helicopters and maritime patrol planes.

Italy plans to field a total of 40 F-35Bs and 75 F-35As, with the B variants split between the Italian Navy and Air Force. The Italian Air Force’s F-35Bs have already operated from the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour (550), and two Air Force jets were embarked as part of the ship’s 2024 Indo-Pacific deployment.

The United Kingdom currently has 41 of its 48 ordered F-35Bs, though one was lost in an accident in 2021. London plans to eventually purchase 138 of the jets. The Royal Air Force operates three F-35B squadrons – one operational, one test, and one operational conversion – while the Royal Navy maintains one operational squadron. The aircraft operate from the U.K.’s two Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Separate incident: F-2A crash

In a separate development Thursday, a JASDF F-2A single-seat fighter jet crashed into the Pacific Ocean off Japan’s eastern coast during a training flight. The pilot successfully ejected and was rescued, according to the JASDF. Training flights for the F-2A fleet have been temporarily suspended pending safety inspections.

The F-35B’s arrival at Nyutabaru represents a milestone in Japan’s broader strategy to modernize its air and naval forces. The combination of shipborne and land-based operations will give Japan more flexibility in covering its vast maritime territory, including remote islands in the southwest.