Marines Considering Flying U.S. F-35Bs Off of Japan’s Largest Warships

There is a lot more to this than meets the eye. The Japanese will become the largest operator of the F-35 after the US and have formally requested coming on as a full partner in the F-35 program. Partnerships for the program closed out years ago, but the decision to throw out partner Turkey may leave some wiggle room. Especially since the Japanese are looking at such a large purchase of both F-35A and F-35B models.

 

The F-35B should be re-considered by countries which face credible threats from ground to ground precision missiles. You can 'stash' the F-35B anywhere and place it close to the front which results in more sorties - but shorter legs. With the small diameter bomb (S.D.B.) it should prove effective when taking out small critical targets. I also would be considered about intermittent drone attacks that could seriously hinder operations from 'fixed' airfields with long runways.

Japan and S.K. need to step up and procure more equipment. The U.S. needs help to contain China. Chinese aggression will expand if the major Asian countries do not spend more on modern offensive weapons. Australia should also take notice.

The U.S. must expand ties with both India and Vietnam. India should be offered all modern conventional weapons.​

 

Interesting as the Japanese dont do "offensive" weapons hence no officla aircraft carriers. Their new Helicopter ships though, put an f35B on them and what do you have. With a resurgent China Japan is getting its game on.