1:48 MENG LS008 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Fighter Plastic Model kit

Japan planned to purchase 42 F-35 fighters. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force's first Lightning II, F-35A 69-8701, took its maiden flight on August 24, 2016.

In total, four F-35As of the JASDF are currently training in the United States. The first F-35A, assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan, also rolled off the production line in February 2017.