Misawa Welcomes F-35A; Permanent Shift in Japan Airpower Begins
A batch of U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II fighters arrived at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan to replace the base's F-16s, part of a planned 48 F-35As and a broader U.S. force realignment in Japan to bolster regional deterrence and alliance integration, alongside other moves like F-15EX on Okinawa and F-35Cs at Iwakuni. The F-35A is highly networked and multirole, though its fleet has faced readiness challenges and maintenance issues noted by the GAO and CRS.