First F-35A Lightning II Stealth Fighter Assembled in Japan Unveiled

Japan ordered 42 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighers with 38 to be assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy in Japan.  The first four Lockheed Martin built aircraft were handed over to Japan in 2016.  They are currently based in the US for training. On 5 June, Mitsubishi Heavy unveiled the first F-35A to be assembled in Japan. This aircraft  will undergo flight-testing in Japan before being transferred to the US for further testing and pilot training. The first F-35A squadron is expected to be based in Misawa Air Base in northern Japan.

Nikkei