US to replace F‑16s with F‑35as at Japan base by 2026
The growing threat from China, North Korea, and Russia has led the USA to decide to modernise its military assets in Japan. Stealth fighters F-35A will appear at the Misawa military base. Forty-eight of these aircraft will replace the F-16s currently there in the spring of 2026.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence has provided local authorities with the latest information regarding the deployment of American fighters. This is connected with local concerns about increased noise levels – the F-35A is louder than the F-16, and the number of deployed fighters will increase from 36 to 48.
The U.S. Department of Defence announced the fighter replacement at the Misawa base back in July, but at that time, a specific date was not given.
Response to the growing threat from China, North Korea, and Russia
The deployment of F-35A at Misawa base in the Aomori Prefecture on Honshu Island is part of Washington's strategy aimed at modernising military assets in Japan. These actions are in response to growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia.
The American side indicated that some facilities at the base, such as hangars, will require modernisation. The runway at Misawa base is used jointly by the American military and the Japan Air Self-Defence Force.
The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter, which due to advanced technologies, is difficult to detect by radar and can identify ballistic missiles. The deployment of these aircraft aims to strengthen Japan's defence in the face of regional challenges.
