Last year, the country’s Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) took part in extensive practices, including interoperability drills conducted alongside Italy and the U.S. to integrate the F-35s.
Tokyo deployed the Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) to the western coast of the US for additional exercises, highlighting its focus on allied operations.
The delivery of these aircraft comes under the umbrella of Washington’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Program, designed to bolster security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.
The U.S. approved the sale of the F-35 jets in 2020, as part of a $23billion deal, partly fueled by concerns over China’s military modernisation drive.
This agreement listed the sale of 63 of the traditional F-35A variant and 42 of the F-35B, designed for short-takeoff and vertical-landing operations.
The security environment around the Indo-Pacific is becoming more dynamic and unstable, and the significant refinement and enhancement of our air power is an urgent requirement for Japan,” Explained JASDF F-35 Program liaison officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ogino Masaki.