Japanese F-35As receive ceremonial welcome to Komatsu AB
April 28, 2025
Japan has ordered some 105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs. Of these 38 F-35As were operational as of December 2024 with two squadrons of the 3rd Kokudan at Misawa (the 301st Hikotai and the 302nd Hikotai). The new aircraft are equipping the 303rd Hikotai, part of the 6th Kokudan (Air Wing) at Komatsu. Seven F-35A aircraft will be delivered to Komatsu Base by the end of 2025, and 40 F-35As will eventually be based at Komatsu.
Komatsu Air Base is currently the home of two frontline F-15J squadrons (the 303rd and 306th Hikotai) and an F-15-equipped aggressor unit, the Hiko Kyodogun. The F-35A is replacing older F-15J fighters currently in JASDF service. Some newer F-15Js are undergoing the F-15 Japan Super Interceptor upgrade, bringing them up to a similar standard to the F-15EX.
The deployment ceremony was accompanied by a small but noisy demonstration outside the base, including union members, noise campaigners and pacifists who objected to the F-35A as a “pre-emptive strike platform,” that promised to violate Japan’s constitution!
The demonstration was met with patience and politeness. Koichiro Sotozono, the 6th Air Wing public affairs chief promised to listen to local concerns. “We will faithfully communicate your opinions to our superiors,” he said.
The planned delivery of the first six F-35B Lightning II fighters for the Japanese Maritime Defence Force has been pushed back from before the end of Japan’s Fiscal Year 2024, which ended on 31 March.”
Some 42 STOVL F-35Bs have been ordered for operation from the JMSDF’s two Izumo-class DDHs (Helicopter-carrying Destroyers), the JS Izumo and JS Kaga, which are currently undergoing conversion to allow F-35B operations. The Izumo is expected to begin F-35B operations in 2027, while the Kaga will follow in 2028.
The aircraft will initially be based at the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) Nyutabaru Air Base, close to the Kure home port of the JS Kaga in Hiroshima prefecture. Two squadrons will eventually bed down at Mageshima air base, currently being prepared for the F-35B.
