USAF 35th Wing Receives First F-35A Lightning II at Misawa Air Base
The 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base has inducted the F-35A Lightning II, marking a key transition to fifth-generation fighter capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. This shift is crucial for enhancing U.S.-Japan defense collaboration and reflects a broader modernization effort by the Department of the Air Force.

On April 24, 2026, the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base officially integrated the F-35A Lightning II into its fleet, marking a pivotal step in the U.S. military's transition to fifth-generation fighter squadrons in the region. This induction is part of a strategic conversion that began on March 28, 2026, when the 13th and 14th Fighter Squadrons started to replace their F-16s with F-35As.
The presence of these aircraft enhances interoperability between U.S. forces and Japan Air Self-Defense Force, affirming a long-standing alliance. The ongoing modernization initiative aims to deter adversary threats and strengthen multinational operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific.



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