In the face of security challenges brought by China, North Korea, and Russia, the United States Department of Defense announced on Wednesday (July 3) that it will deploy 48 F-35A stealth fighter jets for the first time at the Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, to enhance deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Pentagon stated in a press release that after close coordination with Japan, a plan has been unveiled to upgrade various U.S. tactical aircraft bases in Japan.
According to the statement, in addition to replacing the 36 Air Force F-16 fighter jets stationed at Misawa Air Base with 48 F-35A stealth fighter jets, the U.S. military will also deploy 36 new F-15EX aircraft at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture, replacing the 48 F-15 fighter jets that are due for retirement.
The Pentagon stated, “This modernization plan will be implemented in the coming years with an expected investment of over $10 billion to strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance, enhance regional deterrence, and solidify peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
During this transition period, the joint forces will continue rotational deployments of fourth and fifth-generation tactical aircraft at Kadena Air Base.
The F-35A belongs to the “fifth-generation fighters” category, possessing high maneuverability and excellent stealth capabilities, making it difficult to detect by radar.
The U.S. Department of Defense stated that stationing the most advanced tactical aircraft in Japan reflects the firm commitment of the United States to Japan’s defense and the shared vision of the two countries for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
In 2018, the Japan Self-Defense Forces first deployed F-35A aircraft at Misawa Air Base to address airspace intrusions and participate in surveillance activities towards North Korea.
The Pentagon also mentioned that the U.S. military plans to adjust the number of F-35B aircraft at Iwakuni Air Base in Yamaguchi Prefecture to support the unit’s modernization, but did not provide further details.
Among the three versions of the F-35 fighter jets, the F-35A uses conventional runway takeoff and landing, the F-35B supports short takeoff/vertical landing, and the F-35C functions as a carrier-based aircraft.
The latest actions announced by the Pentagon indicate that the defense cooperation between the U.S. and Japan is continuously deepening. This reflects Japan’s significant shift in national security policy amid persistent threats from China.
The U.S. and its allies, including Japan, have been strengthening their military capabilities in recent years to address China’s growing threats in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and to prevent any attempts by China to take Taiwan by force.
In May of this year, the Japanese Senate passed and enacted the amended “Defense Ministry Establishment Law,” which includes the creation of a permanent entity called the “Joint Operations Command,” aimed at centralizing command of the Ground, Maritime, Air, and Self-Defense Forces. The “Joint Operations Command” is expected to serve as a coordination point to enhance the joint operational capabilities of the U.S. and Japan military forces.
At the same time, the U.S. military also plans to expand the authority of the U.S. Forces Japan command.