UPDATE: US F-35B stealth fighter jets have just launched from the Japanese aircraft carrier JS Kaga during a high-stakes military exercise in the Philippine Sea on October 19, 2023. This development comes as the United States and Japan enhance their defense collaboration amid escalating military threats from China.
The deployment of at least four F-35B jets aboard the Kaga is a significant step in the ongoing efforts to strengthen joint military capabilities. The exercise, known as ANNUALEX, involved forces from the US, Japan, Australia, Canada, France, and New Zealand, and is aimed at enhancing regional stability and deterring aggression.
Photos released by the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing showcase the F-35B jets performing vertical landings and short takeoffs, highlighting their unique capabilities from ships like the Kaga, which has been converted from a helicopter carrier to support these advanced aircraft. This move is part of Japan’s broader strategy to fortify its defense posture in the southwestern islands, critical for national security due to limited airfield availability.
The urgency of this military exercise cannot be overstated. Japan faces what it describes as a “survival-threatening situation” should China escalate tensions over Taiwan. The Kaga’s operational readiness with US F-35B jets dramatically increases the flexibility and responsiveness of allied forces in the region.
Why This Matters: The presence of US military assets in the western Pacific serves as a crucial deterrent against Chinese expansion. The F-35B’s advanced stealth technology and sensor capabilities allow for enhanced situational awareness and rapid information sharing among allied forces, according to the US Indo-Pacific Command.
The Kaga also hosted a US Navy CMV-22B tiltrotor aircraft, which operates with helicopter-like capabilities but can fly like a turboprop, further enhancing the joint operational effectiveness of US and Japanese forces.
What’s Next: With Japan preparing to deploy its own F-35B jets aboard the Kaga, the potential for increased interoperability between US and Japanese forces is on the horizon. This evolution in military strategy will likely play a pivotal role in future operations within the western Pacific.
In a statement, the US 7th Fleet emphasized the importance of exercises like ANNUALEX for refining combat interoperability and maintaining readiness against regional instability. As tensions rise, this partnership is expected to be a cornerstone of security in the Indo-Pacific region.
As the situation develops, the global community will be watching closely for further announcements regarding military readiness and deployments in response to China’s activities in the region.
