After months of delay, the first Japanese F-35Bs are on the way to their new home and were spotted during a stop in Hawaii.

The first F-35B Lightning II STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) fighters for the Japan Air Self Defense Force (JASDF) are now en route to Japan, where they will be delivered on Aug. 7, 2025. The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced few days that four F-35Bs will arrive at Nyutabaru Airbase, and the aircraft were now spotted arriving at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, on Aug. 1. Contents After months of delay, the first Japanese F-35Bs are on the way to their new home and were spotted during a stop in Hawaii. Japan’s F-35B acquisition The F-35B in Japanese service

While four F-35Bs were expected, only three are currently flying to

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