First Netherlands F-35 Deployment to Japan for Trilateral Exercise with U.S., Japan

The Royal Netherlands Air Force began joint operations on March 23 at Misawa Air Base in Japan alongside U.S. and Japanese forces, marking its first exercise in the country and focusing on combined operations using F-35 fighter jets.

The Netherlands has deployed five F-35 aircraft and one A330 tanker, while Japan is operating the same fighter platform and the U.S. is participating with both F-35 and F-16 jets. The exercise, named “Kazaguruma Guardian,” will run until April 3 and aims to improve interoperability among the three air forces.

Kazaguruma Guardian, which translates to “Windmill Protector,” reflects the trilateral structure of the drills, with the windmill’s three blades symbolizing the Netherlands, the U.S., and Japan.

The Netherlands and Japan have maintained long-standing relations, with both countries identifying the Indo-Pacific region as strategically relevant for stability and cooperation.

The exercise comes as the three countries deepen coordination on security and technology controls targeting China. In 2023, they aligned export restrictions on advanced chipmaking tools involving firms such as ASML, Nikon, Tokyo Electron, Nvidia, and Lam Research to limit military-use technology. By early 2026, the U.S. pushed for tighter rules on equipment servicing and chemical exports, while China opposed the measures and sought compensation linked to actions affecting Nexperia.

Military coordination has also expanded. In February 2026, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines held joint maritime drills. The South China Sea remains active, with China conducting 163 operations in 2025 and increasing presence near disputed areas, alongside new land reclamation reported in early 2026.

Tensions between China and Japan have also risen since late 2025 over Taiwan-related statements, followed by trade and export restrictions in 2026.