US to deploy F-35s in Japan to counter China’s growing air force

In early July, the U.S. announced the deployment of F-35A and F-35B fighters at Misawa Air Base and Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Base. Mid-July saw the deployment of an F-35C flight group to the 5th Aircraft Carrier Strike Group in Iwakuni. Once these plans are implemented, about 80 F-35s will be permanently stationed in Japan, replacing 96 older jets, including the F-15, F-16, and F/A-18 Hornet.

This reorganization aims to address China's annual production of 100 J-20 stealth fighters, amid concerns that the U.S. plans to coordinate F-35s with allies such as South Korea, Japan, and Australia to create a "stealth aircraft encirclement network" against China.