AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi, File
Such a move would be a jump forward for the US’ airpower in Japan, bringing fifth-generation fighter jets to bases directly in the line of potential conflict with China, adding to the capabilities of the F-22 Raptor fleet at Kadena.
It also signals, as the Pentagon’s release said, “The Department’s plan to station the Joint Force’s most advanced tactical aircraft in Japan demonstrates the ironclad US commitment to the defense of Japan and both countries’ shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”
It’s the most recent sign of how the US and Japan are working together to deter a clash with China.
Back in May, DoD announced the two were jointly developing a defense system to counter hypersonic missiles, which are thought to be nearly impossible for current missile-defense systems to defeat. China, as well as Russia, boast hypersonic missiles in their arsenals; the US is currently working on one of its own.
Air Force Master Sgt. Andrew Sinclair
The US is also working on shoring up its bases in the Pacific against a potential Chinese missile strike, which could feature a massive bombardment that renders US and Japanese aircraft, airfields, and command and control centers useless.
A recent Congressional letter to the Air Force and Navy’s top leaders said the US isn’t doing enough to protect its Pacific forces from such an attack. Back in May, 13 members of Congress pointed out glaring vulnerabilities in the Pacific, demanding immediate changes.
“With its current strike capabilities,” the lawmakers wrote, “China can attack all US bases in the region, targeting US service members from Okinawa to those on US territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.”