Today a Japanese F-35A has disappeared from the coasts of northern Japan. A research mission is currently underway.
Local media reported that contact with Lockheed Martin's stealth fighter was lost just before 7:30 am. local time, with the aircraft's last reported position identified in the Pacific Ocean approximately 85 miles east of the city of Misawa in Aomori Prefecture on the northern part of the main island of Honshu, Japan.
Japan's national public broadcaster, NHK, citing Japan Air Force officials, reported that the missing F-35A was one of four Japanese Air Force F-35As that had taken off from nearby Misawa Air Base on a mission. training at 19:00. local time.
Officials added that Japan Self Defense planes and ships have begun a search mission. The Japanese coast guard said it is sending two ships to join the search. Other Air Force aircraft, most likely U-125A search and rescue jets and UH-60J Black Hawk helicopters that are deployed at Japanese air bases, are currently participating in the search efforts.
Speaking to journalists, Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya said the Japanese Air Force will temporarily lay down the other remaining 12 F-35As.
The US Department of Defense spokesperson, Lt. Colonel Dave Eastburn, told Defense News that the agency "is aware of and monitors the situation in Japan."
Japan had its first squadron of F-35As late last month, with the 302nd Hikotai stationed in Misawa with 13 F-35As after its relocation from Hyakuri, north of the Japanese capital of Tokyo, where it had operated. the Mitsubishi F -4EJ Phantom II.