In an extensive interview with Flight Global, the commanding officer of the 56th Fighter Wing said he is looking forward to seeing Japanese pilots arrive at Luke Air Force Base to learn how to fly the F-35A.
By Alex Lloyd (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/2076301) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
“Japan will bring their own aircraft here, and will go through the academics, the simulators and we will have instructor pilots assigned to them,” said Brig. Gen. Scott Pleus.
At the moment, Australian and Norwegian jets are now operating out of Luke together with U.S. Air Force’s F-35As. They will soon be joined by Italian F-35s later this year.
Israel is an exception, their pilots will be at Luke to do some academic and simulator training only. Flight training will be carried out at home.