BLUF

Four F-35Bs will arrive at Nyutabaru Airbase this month (August). The four Short Take Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant will be the first of 42 STOVL’s Japan has ordered, along with 105 F-35A aircraft.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Understand the relevance of the F-35 platform to the defence of Japan.
  • Recognise that Japan currently has the largest number of F-35s on order outside of the United States.
  • Consider similarities and differences between the RAAF and JASDF in terms of how the F-35 platform is utilised
READ: First Japanese F-35Bs to arrive in-country within days

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