First F-35 stealth fighter arrives at Misawa base

NHK -- Jan 27

An F-35 stealth fighter has arrived at an airbase in Misawa in Aomori Prefecture, northeastern Japan. It is the first of 10 F-35s that will be deployed at the base.

The aircraft flew into the Misawa Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force on Friday morning from the Komaki Air Base in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

The pilot was given flowers in a welcome ceremony attended by about 400 people, including Commander Kenichi Samejima.

The commander said in a speech that the F-35 stealth fighters will greatly contribute to ensuring peace and safety amid the increasingly severe security environment.

He added that the personnel at the base will swiftly and steadily establish a system for operating the aircraft.

Japan's Defense Ministry plans to deploy 9 more F-35s at Misawa in the fiscal year that starts in April. They are among 42 F-35s that will be deployed in Japan as the country's next-generation mainstay fighter.

The F-35 was jointly developed by the United States and 8 other countries. Its stealth capabilities make it difficult to detect by radar.

The ministry plans to equip the aircraft with Norwegian-made long-range Joint Strike Missiles. With a range of 500 kilometers, the missiles will enable Japan to target enemy bases.

Jan 27 (ANNnewsCH) - 最新鋭戦闘機「F35A」が日本に初めて配備されました。 26日午前、青森県の三沢基地に1機目のF35A最新鋭ステルス戦闘機が着陸しました。航空自衛隊は来年3月までにさらに9機を配備し、警戒監視活動などにあたります。