ANewsweek map shows air bases and navy carrier ships acting as permanent stations for F-35 stealth jets operated by the United States and its allies in the Western Pacific.
The F-35 fighter aircraft program—adopted by U.S. treaty allies including Australia, Japan and South Korea—forms part of America’s broader strategy to contain China’s military threat in the key region.
The Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told Newsweek that the F-35 jet enhances interoperability and supports the combined combat power of the U.S. and its allies and partners, underscoring their collective commitment to ”a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek that U.S. deployment of offensive weapons near China is turning the region into a ”powder keg,” urging Washington to respect Beijing’s security concerns and cease undermining regional peace and stability. […]
According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,215 jets have been delivered to participants in the F-35 program—20 countries in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. They operate from 37 air bases, and 12 naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships capable of operating the B and C variants. Läs artikel