Reference News Network, January 26 report: According to the U.S. "Newsweek" website on January 23, the United States is conducting preparatory work at its major military outpost in Japan, Misawa Air Base (a key point for the U.S. military to deploy air power), to support the deployment of future stealth fighters.

As part of the tactical aircraft modernization plan announced in July 2024, the Pentagon has decided to deploy 48 F-35A stealth fighters to Misawa Air Base to replace 36 older F-16 fighters. The F-35A being deployed offer significant improvements in combat capability and performance.

Japan is a key ally for the United States in deterring and countering potential adversaries in the Western Pacific region. The Pentagon has already deployed F-35B and F-35C fighters capable of shipboard takeoff and landing at the Iwakuni Marine Corps Air Station, while regularly rotating conventional F-35A fighters to Kadena Air Base.

Recent images released by the U.S. Air Force show personnel from the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base receiving and unpacking support equipment, preparing for the deployment of F-35A fighters. The related preparation work had already started last month.

One of the images has a caption stating: "After these supplies for subsequent operational missions of the F-35A 'Lightning II' fighter arrive, they will enhance the unit's air power projection and sustained support capabilities, supporting security and deterrence operations in the Indo-Pacific region."

At present, the specific time for the first batch of F-35A fighters to arrive at Misawa Air Base remains unclear. The base's regular flight missions are still proceeding normally. Officially released video footage shows that early this month, F-16 fighters belonging to the base participated in exercises under severe cold and snow conditions.

Misawa Air Base is located in northern Japan, facing the Pacific Ocean. It currently hosts two F-35A fighter wings of the Japan Self-Defense Forces and supported the deployment of U.S. bomber aircraft in 2025.

Earlier this month, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth met with Japanese Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba at the Pentagon, saying that the U.S.-Japan alliance was "of great significance," and praised Japan's commitment to increasing defense spending.

The Pentagon stated that both defense ministers agreed to continue upgrading the alliance's command and control systems, enhance the realism of bilateral exercises, strengthen military presence, and engage in close cooperation in the defense industrial base sector.

The U.S. Air Force said: "By permanently deploying the most advanced tactical aircraft in Japan, the U.S. military will enhance regional deterrence and significantly improve emergency response capabilities."

Currently, tensions along the First Island Chain remain tense. Whether the U.S. military will deploy more military assets (including aircraft, ships, and missile systems) in Japan remains to be observed. (Translated by Wu Mei)

An F-35 fighter parked at Misawa Base in Japan (AP photo)

Original article: toutiao.com/article/7599574567048249890/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author.