Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has finished assembling the 48th F-35 fighter for Japan's Air Self‑Defense Force. The aircraft, serial number AX‑52, made its maiden flight on 10 June 2026 from Komaki Air Base near Nagoya and has now entered the flight‑test phase before delivery to an operational unit. To date, Mitsubishi has built 48 F‑35s, while the first four were produced by Lockheed Martin. Squadrons 301, 302 and 303 of the Japanese Air Self‑Defense Force are now equipped with these fifth‑generation jets.