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F-35A stealth fighters to replace F-16s by 2026 at Misawa Air Base
December 1, 2024 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
In response to growing threats from China, North Korea, and Russia, the United States is upgrading its military presence in Japan by replacing F-16 Fighting Falcons with F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters at Misawa Air Base.
This modernization effort underscores the U.S. commitment to maintaining regional security and ensuring a technological edge in the Indo-Pacific.
A total of 48 F-35A aircraft are slated to replace the current fleet of 36 F-16s in the spring of 2026. The deployment will significantly enhance the base's operational capabilities, as the F-35A offers advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networked communication features unmatched by its predecessor.
Local Japanese authorities were recently briefed by the Ministry of Defense about the impending transition. While the upgrade has strategic importance, it has also raised concerns about increased noise levels, as the F-35A produces more noise compared to the F-16. Additionally, the increase in the number of deployed aircraft has amplified these apprehensions.
The U.S. Department of Defense initially announced the fighter replacement plan in July 2023 but did not specify a timeline at the time. The updated deployment schedule reflects ongoing efforts to align with both strategic needs and local considerations.
Two USAF F-35's assigned to the 48th FW, RAF Lakenheath, make history by landing on a highway strip during the exercise BAANA 2024 on September 4th on the Hosio Highway Strip in Ranua. During the exercise the USAF collaborated with NATO Allies to adapt, innovate and strengthen our collective defense while making history by landing US fighter aircraft on a Finnish highway strip demonstrating military capabilities and interoperability. During the exercise USAF Airmen expanded on Agile Combat Employment capabilities by learning austere environment aircraft landing and take-off operations and techniques from their Finnish counterparts. [US Army photo by Sgt. Scyrrus Corregidor]
A total of 48 F-35A aircraft are slated to replace the current fleet of 36 F-16s in the spring of 2026. The deployment will significantly enhance the base's operational capabilities, as the F-35A offers advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and networked communication features unmatched by its predecessor.
Local Japanese authorities were recently briefed by the Ministry of Defense about the impending transition. While the upgrade has strategic importance, it has also raised concerns about increased noise levels, as the F-35A produces more noise compared to the F-16. Additionally, the increase in the number of deployed aircraft has amplified these apprehensions.
The U.S. Department of Defense initially announced the fighter replacement plan in July 2023 but did not specify a timeline at the time. The updated deployment schedule reflects ongoing efforts to align with both strategic needs and local considerations.
Additional images:
USAF F-16C block 50 #91-0346 from the 14th FS flies over Misawa and Lake Ogawara on the way to a training mission on May 13th, 2009. The plane is loaded with an inert GBU-38 that was successfully dropped on Draughon Range, marking a first for Misawa AB. [USAF photo by 1st Lt. Ryan Cross]
Several F-16s taxi down the Misawa AB runway during Seiken War on March 11th, 2008. Seiken War is a joint exercise with the JASDF and features F-16s, F-15s, F-4s and F-2s. [USAF photo by SSgt. Rachel Martinez]
USAF F-16C block 30 #85-1499 from the 13th TFS is being maintained by SSgt. Barry Webb, SSgt. Mike Dixon and SSgt. Joe Sambor AT Misawa AFB in July of 1988. [Photo by Barry Webb]