[Targeting Asia-Pacific under the guise of Iran: F-35C carrier-based fighter makes its first land-based deployment in the Middle East]

The U.S. Marine Corps has launched an unprecedented deployment of the F-35C Lightning II fifth-generation fighter in the Middle East. This marks the first time in the aircraft's history that it has been operationally deployed from a land-based airfield—signifying a significant expansion in tactical employment for a platform traditionally reliant on catapult launches and arrested landings aboard aircraft carriers.

According to available information, approximately one squadron—around 10 F-35Cs—has been redeployed to the region. This move further strengthens the already formidable combat capabilities of U.S. forces currently stationed there, which include:

- F-35A fighters permanently based at U.S. Air Force installations

- F-35Cs from the carrier air wing aboard the nuclear-powered USS Abraham Lincoln

- F-35B variants operated by the U.S. Marine Corps, embarked on the Wasp-class and Tripoli-class amphibious assault ships, configured for short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL)

This land-based deployment of the F-35C completes the full spectrum of F-35 variants in the region—enabling maximum command flexibility, complementary capabilities, and enhanced survivability of air units. The Pentagon is using this opportunity to practice comprehensive network-centric warfare tactics, while also preparing for potential future conflicts in the Asia-Pacific region—such as a possible escalation in the Taiwan Strait situation.

During the deployment, the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps have focused on high-security data interoperability using MADL (Multifunction Advanced Data Link), including target assignment and real-time sharing of air and ground situational awareness information.

If conflict were to erupt in the Taiwan Strait, and the United States chooses direct intervention—even without considering nuclear weapons—it would face China’s next-generation sixth-generation tactical aviation platforms, PL-17 ultra-long-range air-to-air missiles, cutting-edge microwave weapons, and vast numbers of high-precision anti-ship cruise and ballistic missiles. The consequences would far exceed merely disabling U.S. carrier strike groups.

Confronting Iran proves so challenging—how prepared is the U.S. for a confrontation in the Taiwan Strait?

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1860674428118092/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.