Japan buys advanced US jet fighters in face of North Korea aggression

The US has exported three fighter jets to Japan as part of a $23billion deal. (Image: Getty)

Japan has stepped up its air defences amid rising tensions in Asia after acquiring three advanced F-35 Lightning II aircraft from the United States.

The fifth-generation fighter jets will be based at the Komatsu Air Base in Ishikawa, located on the country's west coast just off the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea.

Earlier this month, North Korea reportedly fired a flurry of ballistic missiles at 500mph into the body of water in a suspected performance test before exporting them to Russia.

The missiles would likely be used on Russia's frontline as it continues to wage war on Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin refused to meet with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Turkey last week to discuss peace terms.

The jets, equipped with the latest TR-3 avionics hardware, arrive in Japan after its cabinet set out a record-breaking defence budget for 2025 - the 13th growth year in a row.

The fighter jets arrive in Japan days after North Korea test fired missiles. (Image: Getty)

Last year, the country's Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) took part in extensive practices, including interoperability drills conducted alongside Italy and the U.S. to integrate the F-35s.

Tokyo deployed the Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) to the western coast of the US for additional exercises, highlighting its focus on allied operations.

The delivery of these aircraft comes under the umbrella of Washington’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Program, designed to bolster security efforts in the Indo-Pacific region.

The U.S. approved the sale of the F-35 jets in 2020, as part of a $23billion deal, partly fueled by concerns over China's military modernisation drive.

This agreement listed the sale of 63 of the traditional F-35A variant and 42 of the F-35B, designed for short-takeoff and vertical-landing operations.

The security environment around the Indo-Pacific is becoming more dynamic and unstable, and the significant refinement and enhancement of our air power is an urgent requirement for Japan," Explained JASDF F-35 Program liaison officer, Lieutenant Colonel Ogino Masaki.