48 Brand New F-35A Fighters Will Now Be Based in China’s Backyard

48 Brand New F-35A Fighters Will Now Be Based in China’s Backyard

Synopsis: As of February 2026, the U.S. Air Force is finalizing the deployment of 48 F-35A Lightning IIs to Misawa Air Base, Japan—a strategic move to encircle China’s coastline with 5th-generation airpower. -This land-based force complements Japan’s burgeoning fleet of “mini-carriers,” such as the JS Kaga, which was recently refitted to operate the STOVL F-35B. […] The post 48 Brand New F-35A Fighters Will Now Be Based in China’s Backyard appea…