Japan F-35A/B Fleet Update
Japan - Japan Air Self-Defence Force
| Date | Oct. 1, 2025 |
| Country | Japan |
| Force | Japan Air Self-Defence Force |
| Aircraft | F-35A/B (F-35 Lightning II) |
| Change | +2 active, -2 ordered |
Description
In October 2025, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force received two additional F-35B Lightning II fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base on Kyushu, following the initial delivery of three aircraft in August. Japan is building its F-35B fleet for operations from the modified Izumo-class carriers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. The JASDF expects to have 8 F-35Bs by March 2026, with training operations having officially begun in November 2025. Japan has ordered 42 F-35Bs and 105 F-35As, positioning it to become the largest F-35 operator outside the United States.
