Permanently based USAF F-35As arrive in Japan - the logistical nightmare continues
On 28 March 2026, as expected, the first quartet of permanently USAF based Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning IIs, arrived at Misawa Air Base (Japan) to be inducted by Pacific Air Forces (PACAF's) 35th Fighter Wing.
Strikingly, having earned the legacy of the Vietnam Era's 'Wild Weasels', the recent delivered F-35As, do not carry the distinct WW code on the tail. Analysing the Scramble Database and Scramble Messageboard reveal that no WW coded F-35As have been sighted yet. The four Lightning IIs, that are now assigned to Misawa's 13th Fighter Squadron 'Panthers', part of the 35th Fighter Wing, are carrying the HL and LN tail codes.
At this moment, because of logistical problems and (update) priorities, it seems that the USAF has chosen for a non planned dispersed F-35 inventory. This can be contributed to the fact that more F-35s being delivered to Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries, the delay of F-35 Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3) and the delay of delivering new AN/APG-85 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radars.
For now, the Lightning II is equipped with an advanced sensor suite that provides unparalleled Situational Awareness (SA). By gathering, fusing, and distributing vast amounts of battlefield information, the F-35 gives operators a distinct tactical advantage over any adversary.
While the Japan Air Self Defense (JASDF) has its own based F-35s, the arrival of the first permanently based USAF F-35A enhances Misawa Air Base's ability to rapidly generate combat airpower, advancing the Wild Weasel Wing's mission to provide lethal and ready forces prepared to defend Japan and ensure peace through strength throughout the Indo-Pacific Theatre.
The 35th Fighter Wing is the host unit at Misawa, the northernmost US installation in Japan and located on the shores of Lake Ogawara near Misawa City in the Aomori Prefecture.
The following F-35As are now based with the 13th Fighter Squadron at Misawa; 22-5698/HL, 22-5720/LN, 22-5778/HL and 22-5946/HL
Credit photos: USAF