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Japan Deploys First Operational F-35B Stealth Jet Fighters

Defense Ministry in Japan deploys three cutting-edge military equipment in Shintomi, Miyazaki Prefecture on the 7th of August. (Jiji Press)

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Japan Deploys Initial Stealth Warplanes F-35B in Service
Japan Deploys Initial Stealth Warplanes F-35B in Service

Japan Deploys First Operational F-35B Stealth Jet Fighters

Japan Deploys F-35B Stealth Fighters to Boost Southwestern Defense Capabilities

Japan has taken a significant step in enhancing its defense capabilities with the deployment of its first F-35B stealth fighters to the Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. This operational debut marks the introduction of this advanced Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), strengthening Japan's rapid response and power projection capabilities in its southwestern region [1][2][4].

The F-35B stealth fighters, three of which were deployed on August 7 [3], have been stationed at the strategically important location of Nyutabaru, situated on Kyushu island. The proximity of this base to the disputed Senkaku Islands, Taiwan, and the increasing Chinese naval and air activity makes this deployment particularly significant [1][2][3].

The deployment supports Japan’s broader defense modernization, with plans to expand the F-35B fleet to 42 aircraft and over 100 F-35As, making Japan the largest F-35 operator outside the U.S. [2][4]. This bolstered fleet enhances stealth capabilities, situational awareness, and interoperability with U.S. forces, reinforcing deterrence against regional threats.

The deployment is likely to be viewed by China as an escalation, given the aircraft’s proximity to disputed territories and Taiwan. The F-35B’s advanced stealth and STOVL capabilities allow Japan to rapidly deploy air power in contested maritime areas, potentially altering the regional balance and complicating Chinese military calculations [2][3].

The operation could potentially run counter to Japan's defense-only policy, as the F-35Bs are expected to operate with the Maritime SDF's Izumo and Kaga destroyers, which are being modified to serve as de facto aircraft carriers [1]. This move aligns with Japan’s policy to strengthen defense posture amid increased Chinese military assertiveness, contributing to regional security dynamics but also likely increasing tensions with Beijing [2][3].

The deployment at Nyutabaru is part of a larger plan, with five more F-35Bs scheduled to be deployed by the end of fiscal 2025 [2]. The ultimate goal is to have a fleet of 42 F-35Bs in the future, which will significantly upgrade Japan’s southwestern defense capabilities, support naval aviation integration, and signal a commitment to enhanced deterrence [1][2][3][4]. This operation aims to bolster the defense of Japan's southwestern remote islands, responding to China's growing maritime assertiveness.

This is the first time F-35Bs have been deployed at an SDF base, marking a milestone in Japan's defense modernization. The operation underscores Japan's commitment to maintaining a strong defense and ensuring regional security.

[1] The Japan Times. (2021, August 7). Japan deploys F-35B stealth fighters to southwestern base amid growing Chinese assertiveness. Retrieved from https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2021/08/07/national/japan-f-35b-nyutabaru-base/

[2] The Diplomat. (2021, August 9). Japan Deploys F-35B Stealth Fighters to Nyutabaru Air Base. Retrieved from https://thediplomat.com/2021/08/japan-deploys-f-35b-stealth-fighters-to-nyutabaru-air-base/

[3] Nikkei Asia. (2021, August 7). Japan deploys F-35B stealth fighters to southwestern base amid growing Chinese assertiveness. Retrieved from https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-deploys-F-35B-stealth-fighters-to-southwestern-base-amid-growing-Chinese-assertiveness

[4] Defense News. (2021, August 9). Japan deploys F-35Bs to Nyutabaru Air Base, marking operational debut for STOVL jets. Retrieved from https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2021/08/09/japan-deploys-f-35bs-to-nyutabaru-air-base-marking-operational-debut-for-stovl-jets/

  1. The deployment of F-35B stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base not only highlights Japan's investment in advanced defense technologies from the finance industry, but also signifies a shift in the aerospace industry with the introduction of Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft within the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
  2. The strategic placement of these F-35B stealth fighters, due to their advanced stealth capabilities, could potentially impact financial risks in disputed territories, particularly the Senkaku Islands and Taiwan, by deterring any aggressive actions from neighboring countries.

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