The United States Department of Defense (DOD) has unveiled modernization plan for its aerial assets in Japan where the US will modernize its ageing fleet. The modernization plan is expected to complete in the next few years with the total investment of $10 billion. The modernization plan will enhance “U.S-Japan Alliance, regional deterrence, and strengthen peace and stability” in the region. While the Pentagon announcement did not explicitly mention Beijing, the announcement of deployment and modernization marks the major advancement in U.S air power in Japan.
Japan has a territorial dispute with China over what it calls the Senkaku Islands and according to Chinese Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea.
The United States will upgrade the F-15 C/D with F-15 EX at Kadena air base and 48 F35A with 36 F-16s deployed at Misawa Air Base. Similarly, At Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni the F-35B will be modified to support force design modernization implementation.
Although not a stealth fighter but F-15EX has next-gen survivability. It’s the upgraded version and the most advanced fighter of the F-15 family with the ability to carry 12 advanced medium range AAM. It has new electronic warfare (EW) system, modern radars and software capabilities. Its open mission system........