77
MISAWA MAS TERS
in Fiscal Year 2018, bringing the total to
ten, out of a planned purchase of 42.
The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is
reportedly considering adding 20-25
more F-35As to its planned procurement.
In addition, officials in Tokyo have
proposed purchasing the short take-
off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B
and introducing a multi-purpose aircraft
carrier. The carrier would be operated
solely for defensive purposes and
could also serve as a hospital ship.
Conversion of the Japan Maritime Self-
Defense Force’s two Izumo-class helicopter
destroyers will be listed as an option.
The proposal is one of several intended
to improve the quality and quantity of
Japan’s defence capabilities that will be
considered this year when the government
reviews the National Defense Program
Guidelines for the first time in five years.
The Japanese government is concerned
over a security crisis created by North
Korea’s nuclear and missile development
and China’s military build-up and
increasing maritime presence.ABOVE: JASDF F-35A 69-8701 (AX-01, USAF/14-5114) lands at Luke on March 14, 2018.
Departure of the Japanese F-35s from the base made room for the incoming South Korean F-35
contingent. Nate Leong
BELOW: Serial 89-8706 (AX-06), the rst operational JASDF F-35A, is marshalled into position
on the ight line during its arrival ceremony at Misawa AB. USAF/Tech Sgt Benjamin W StrattonF-35