Tokyo, May 9 - Japan reached a key point in upgrading its defense capabilities on April 26, 2025. On that day, the country officially welcomed its first F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, which were made in the United States. These advanced aircraft are now based at Komatsu Air Base, situated in Ishikawa Prefecture, along the coast of the Sea of Japan. This strategic deployment enhances Japan’s air defense capabilities and underscores its commitment to maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region, where geopolitical tensions continue to rise. The arrival of these advanced fifth-generation stealth fighters represents a pivotal step in strengthening Japan’s role as a key security partner in the region, particularly in response to increasing military activities by neighboring powers.
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Komatsu Air Base, the only fighter base positioned along Japan’s western seaboard, is uniquely situated to monitor and respond to potential threats across the Sea of Japan. The base’s strategic location makes it a critical asset for Japan’s defense architecture, providing a vantage point to address regional security challenges. The deployment of three F-35A aircraft, equipped with the latest Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) upgrades, enhances Japan’s ability to maintain air superiority and conduct rapid, effective responses to emerging threats. These jets, designed by Lockheed Martin, are renowned for their low radar signature, advanced sensor fusion, and multirole capabilities, enabling them to perform air-to-air combat, ground strikes, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions with unmatched precision. The induction ceremony at Komatsu Air Base highlighted the culmination of years of planning and international collaboration. Japan’s acquisition of the F-35A jets is part of a broader procurement strategy, with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) planning to acquire 105 F-35A and 42 F-35B variants. The F-35A, designed for conventional runway operations, complements Japan’s existing fleet at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, where 39 F-35As are already operational. The addition of Komatsu as a second F-35A hub strengthens Japan’s layered defense structure, particularly along its western frontier, which faces increasing military activities from China, Russia, and North Korea. The JASDF plans to replace its aging F-15 fighters at Komatsu with seven F-35As by the end of fiscal 2025, further modernizing its fleet.
The F-35 program has fostered deep cooperation between Japan and the United States, reinforcing their alliance through joint training, interoperability exercises, and technological integration. In 2024, Japanese defense officials observed F-35 operations aboard the Italian aircraft carrier Cavour near Japan’s shores, while the Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga hosted U.S. F-35s off San Diego, demonstrating enhanced interoperability. These efforts ensure that Japanese and U.S. forces can operate seamlessly in joint missions, bolstering deterrence in the Indo-Pacific. The F-35’s advanced capabilities also support Japan’s strategic autonomy, enabling it to defend key territories, such as the Senkaku Islands, and contribute to regional stability through intelligence-sharing and multidomain operations.
The deployment at Komatsu Air Base is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic signal of Japan’s resolve to counter modern threats. The F-35’s ability to evade radar detection and process vast amounts of operational data provides Japan with a decisive edge in contested environments. As the JASDF continues to integrate these jets, Komatsu Air Base will play an increasingly vital role in safeguarding Japan’s airspace and reinforcing its position as a cornerstone of regional security. This milestone reflects Japan’s proactive approach to military modernization and its unwavering commitment to fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific.