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sl8

(16,245 posts)
Thu Jul 11, 2024, 05:53 AM Jul 2024

US plan to boost Pacific air power seen as counterbalance to China

https://www.voanews.com/a/us-plan-to-boost-pacific-air-power-seen-as-counterbalance-to-china/7693155.html

US plan to boost Pacific air power seen as counterbalance to China

July 10, 2024 9:02 PM
By Christy Lee

WASHINGTON —
A U.S. plan to boost its Pacific air power is seen by analysts as an effort to reinforce deterrence in the Indo-Pacific and counterbalance China's attempt to gain dominance in the region.

The U.S. Air Force plans to upgrade more than 80 fighter jets stationed at Japanese bases over the next several years as part of a $10 billion program to modernize its forces there.

The Defense Department announced the plan last week, saying it aims to enhance the U.S.-Japan alliance and bolster deterrence in the Indo-Pacific.

"This is a necessary upgrade that has been planned for some time. And combined with Japan's own investments, it will help maintain some degree of air power balance between the allies and China's progress in air force modernization," said James Schoff, senior director of the U.S.-Japan NEXT Alliance Initiative at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA.

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https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3826440/department-of-defense-announces-modernization-plan-for-tactical-aircraft-based/

Department of Defense Announces Modernization Plan for Tactical Aircraft Based in Japan

July 3, 2024

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