Search for Japanese F-35A that disappeared over Pacific Ocean remains ongoing

Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 stealth fighters perform a maneuver in this file photo. COURTESY U.S. AIR FORCE
Japanese Air Self-Defense Force F-35 stealth fighters perform a maneuver in this file photo. COURTESY U.S. AIR FORCE

Search for Japanese F-35A that disappeared over Pacific Ocean remains ongoing

by Hana Kusumoto
Stars and Stripes

TOKYO — A Japanese F-35A stealth fighter disappeared Tuesday while training over the Pacific Ocean, according to the nation’s defense minister.

The jet, assigned to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force at Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, disappeared from the radar just before 7:30 p.m. about 85 miles east of the base while while on late-night flight with three other F-35As, Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters.

The missing pilot is a major in his 40s, Iwaya said.

Japan sent air and naval forces to the area for the search, he added.

Read more at: https://www.stripes.com/1.576305

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