F-35A Lightning IIs arrive at Misawa Air Base

Photo By Senior Airman Patrick Boyle | A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron taxis out of a hangar during the F-35 first aircraft arrival at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026. The arrival of the F-35A enhances Misawa Air Base's ability to rapidly generate combat airpower, advancing the wing's mission to provide lethal and ready forces prepared to defend Japan and ensure peace through strength throughout the Indo-Pacific Theater. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle)  

MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JAPAN

03.27.2026

Story by Senior Airman Patrick Boyle 

35th Fighter Wing

MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- F-35A Lightning II aircraft assigned to the 13th Fighter Squadron arrived at Misawa Air Base, Japan, March 28, 2026, marking the beginning of the squadron’s transition to fifth-generation airpower and the permanent stationing of the Joint Force’s most advanced tactical aircraft in Northern Japan.
The arrival supports the Department of the Air Force’s modernization efforts and demonstrates the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of Japan and sustaining peace through strength in the Indo-Pacific.
“Bringing the F-35 to Misawa underscores our long-standing commitment to Japan and the region,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Paul Davidson, 35th Fighter Wing commander. “It strengthens our ability to respond quickly and operate seamlessly with our Japanese partners.”
Col. Jeromy Guinther, 35th Operations Group commander, welcomed the arriving pilots on behalf of Col. Davidson.
“The Wild Weasels stand ready to defeat any threat in our area of responsibility and beyond,” said Guinther. “As you lay the foundation for Misawa’s upgrade to a fighter integration wing, remember your Wild Weasel legacy, stay ready and lethal, and continue to contribute to the Panther’s many generations of excellence. Cave Putorium!”
Misawa’s forward position makes it a critical hub for maintaining regional stability. The transition to the F-35 increases fighter capability, deepens interoperability with allies and partners, and enhances deterrence across the Indo-Pacific.
“The F-35 was tailor made to be a weasel platform,” said Lt. Col. John Widmer, 13th Fighter Squadron commander. “Where legacy platforms performed the Wild Weasel mission with bolted-on sensors or weapons, the F-35 was built from the ground up as a sensor platform with the sensor fusion and quarterback capability we bring to the fight.”
The F-35 excels at operating and surviving in advanced threat environments. Its aerodynamic performance and fully integrated avionics deliver next-generation stealth, improved situational awareness and reduced vulnerability for U.S. and allied forces.
“As far as transitioning from the F-16 to the F-35, the stealth capability is obviously one of the biggest things,” said Widmer. “The sensor package we bring to the fight allows us to sense the threat and manage the entire spectrum of what the enemy is fielding at us right now. It’s constantly updating, constantly getting upgraded, and as we continue forward, it’s the place I want to be if I need to go to war.”
Airmen across the wing completed months of preparation leading up to the aircraft’s arrival, including formal training, infrastructure updates and coordination to ensure the squadron can generate and sustain combat-ready aircraft.
The permanent stationing of the U.S. F-35s in Northern Japan further multiplies the collective defense capabilities of the U.S.-Japan alliance and ensures the 35th Fighter Wing remains ready to defend Japan and deter aggression in the Department of War’s largest area of responsibility.

• Date Taken: 03.27.2026
• Date Posted: 03.28.2026 03:19
• Story ID: 561496
• Location: MISAWA AIR BASE, AOMORI, JP