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/
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