Aircraft
First Japanese-assembled F-35A Is Rolled Out
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is the key contractor, but is also leading Japan’s own stealth fighter development.
A ceremonial rollout of the first F-35A to be assembled in Japan was attended by 200 guests. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
A ceremonial rollout of the first F-35A to be assembled in Japan was attended by 200 guests. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) rolled out the first Japanese-assembled F-35A fighter in a ceremony at Komaki on June 5. The stealth jet is one of 38 for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) that will emerge from MHI’s Final Assembly and Checkout Facility (FACO) for the F-35. Four more have been completed and delivered from Lockheed Martin’s assembly line in Fort Worth, Texas.