Upgrading Japan: US sends F‑35A to counter regional threats
The growing threat from China, North Korea, and Russia has led the USA to decide to modernize its military assets in Japan. Stealth fighters F-35A will be deployed at the Misawa military base. A total of 48 of these aircraft will replace the existing F-16s in spring 2026.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence has informed local authorities about the upcoming deployment of American fighters. This information has raised local concerns about increased noise levels – the F-35A is louder than the F-16 – and the number of deployed fighters will increase from 36 to 48.
The U.S. Department of Defence announced the fighter replacement at the Misawa base back in July, but at that time, a specific date was not provided.
Response to the growing threat from China, North Korea, and Russia
The deployment of F-35A at the Misawa base in the Aomori Prefecture on Honshu Island is part of Washington's strategy to modernize military assets in Japan. These actions are in response to growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
The American side indicated that some facilities at the base, such as hangars, will require modernization. The runway at the Misawa base is used jointly by the American military and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter that, due to advanced technologies, is difficult to detect by radar and can identify ballistic missiles. The deployment of these aircraft aims to strengthen Japan's defense in the face of regional challenges.
