Japan’s F-35B fighter jet delay calls its defence readiness into question

A delay in the delivery of American-made F-35B stealth fighters to Japan has raised concerns about the country’s defence readiness, with the first six jets now expected to arrive at the Air Self-Defence Force’s Nyutabaru base in April instead of March as planned. Japan plans to eventually have 147 F-35 aircraft, including 42 F-35B variants for deployment on aircraft carriers, as part of its strategy to bolster defence capabilities by integrating the advanced fighter jets into its air force and naval operations. The setback, while frustrating, is not expected to compromise military preparedness as Japan has been steadily training its air force crews and recalibrating its naval operations to accommodate the advanced aircraft.

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