On February 7, the Ministry of Defense of Japan held a ceremony that officially marked the deployment of the F-35B fighter jets at the Niutabro Air Base, in the south of the country.
The event marks the introduction of the short takeoff and vertical landing version of the F-35 into permanent service at one of Japan’s key air defense bases.
According to the ministry, the ceremony marked the start of F-35B operations at Newtavero — a base traditionally dedicated to regional surveillance and airspace defense missions. The arrival of the new aircraft significantly expands the base’s capabilities, enables operation from shorter routes and increases the flexibility in the use of air power.
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The F-35B is a state-of-the-art stealth fighter aircraft designed for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL), enabling it to be operated at less developed airfields or in scenarios with limited infrastructure. This capability adds a new layer of operational resilience to Japan’s self-defense forces.
The ceremony was attended by Yoshida, the Parliamentary Deputy Minister of Defense, who spoke to the members of the unit and led a direct inspection of the F-35B aircraft.
Japan continues to gradually expand its fleet of F-35 aircraft, integrating different versions to meet diverse operational requirements. While the country already operates the F-35A with conventional takeoff and landing, the F-35B offers greater deployment flexibility and strengthens the Air Force’s response capability in a variety of scenarios.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the deployment of the F-35B at Niutabro is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen air operational capabilities and ensure the protection of Japan’s airspace.
Source and photos: Ministry of Defense of Japan | X @ModJapan_jp. This content is generated with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
