Arrival of the fighters in Misawa marks a new stage in the American air presence in the Indo-Pacific and reinforces military integration with Japan.
The F-35A Lightning II fighters from the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, on March 28, 2026. According to the United States Air Force, the movement marks the beginning of the unit’s transition to fifth-generation air power and the permanent stationing of these fighters in the north of the country.
The arrival of the aircraft was presented by the US as part of the air force modernization effort and as a reinforcement of the commitment to Japan’s defense and stability in the Indo-Pacific. According to the 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa occupies a strategic position for rapid response and integration with Japanese partners.
In an official statement, the commander of the 35th Fighter Wing, coronel Paul Davidsonstated that the presence of the F-35 in Misawa reinforces the ability to operate in an integrated manner with Japan.
Lieutenant Colonel John Widmer, commander of the 13th Fighter Squadron, highlighted that the aircraft increases situational awareness and was designed to operate in advanced threat environments, with strong sensor integration and low observability.
The US Air Force also reported that wing personnel spent months preparing for the arrival of the new fighters, with training, infrastructure upgrades and coordination to sustain aircraft in operational readiness. Images released by DVIDS show the F-35As in Misawa upon arrival and during activities at the base.
The permanent deployment of F-35As 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. Her own USAF states that the reinforcement helps keep the 35th Fighter Wing ready to defend Japan and expand regional deterrence.
Source and images: DVIDS / US Air Force. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
