The first three F-35B Lightning IIs have finally been delivered to the Japan Air Self Defense Force.

The Japan Air Self Defense Force Article (JASDF) announced the arrival of its first three F-35B Lightning II STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) jets at Nyutabaru Air Base on Aug. 7, 2025. The Japanese Ministry of Defense announced few days ago the imminent arrival of the jets, before they were spotted landing at Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam (JBPHH), Hawaii, on Aug. 1. Contents The first three F-35B Lightning IIs have finally been delivered to the Japan Air Self Defense Force. Japan’s F-35B acquisition The F-35B in Japanese service

Initially, according to the MoD, four aircraft were expected to arrive. However, one of the F-35s had to stay back in the U.S. and will be f

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