Japan receives first three US-made F-35B fighter jets

Construction is underway for a new runway for F-35B operations on Mageshima Island, located about 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This site will eventually support flight training and carrier integration exercises for the expanding fleet. However, delays have occurred due to protests from local residents concerned about aircraft noise. As a result, training will continue at Nyutabaru until at least 2030.

Japan intends for these jets to ultimately operate from its two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers—the JS Izumo and JS Kaga—which have been modified with expanded flight deck space and heat-resistant surfaces to accommodate fixed-wing operations. Both ships previously carried only helicopters but now serve as Japan’s first fixed-wing carriers since World War II.

To prepare for integrating the new jets, Japan conducted sea trials using US Marine Corps F-35Bs aboard its vessels. The most recent trial was held in 2024 off California aboard JS Kaga; earlier tests took place on JS Izumo in 2021.

Other countries are also expanding their fleets with the F-35B variant. Singapore ordered four jets in 2020 and added eight more in 2023; all will be managed by the Republic of Singapore Air Force alongside eight F-35As. The United Kingdom has received 41 out of an order for 48 F-35Bs but lost one jet during a takeoff accident in 2021 from HMS Queen Elizabeth; it plans to procure at least another 27 units with a long-term goal of acquiring up to 138 jets. Italy aims to operate 40 F-35Bs divided between its navy and air force and deployed two aboard ITS Cavour for an Indo-Pacific mission in 2024.

"The three newly arrived short takeoff and vertical landing F-35Bs are part of an initial group of four aircraft scheduled for deployment at Nyutabaru, with the fourth jet expected to join them at a later date," according to Japan’s Ministry of Defense.

"As a result, F-35B drills will continue at Nyutabaru until at least 2030," stated the Defense Ministry regarding delays caused by local opposition on Mageshima Island.

"Both ships previously carried only rotary-wing aircraft and now serve as Japan’s first fixed-wing aircraft carriers since World War II."

"In preparation for the jets' arrival, Japan has already conducted extensive sea trials using US Marine Corps F-35Bs."

"The UK government has committed to procuring at least 27 additional units, with a long-term goal of acquiring 138."

"Notably, in 2024, the Italian Air Force deployed two of its F-35Bs aboard the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour for an Indo-Pacific mission."