How Does The US F-35's Presence In Asia-Pacific Alter Power Dynamics In The Region?

Summary US allies in the Asia-Pacific region heavily rely on F-35s for defense against Chinese and North Korean threats. The RAAF, JASDF, ROKAF, and RSAF have varying but intertwined motives for acquiring the F-35. The international F-35 fleet in Asia-Pacific significantly enhances regional defense capabilities and promotes peace.

The 5th Generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter is here to stay, the controversies over its Stateside cost overrun and reliability issues notwithstanding. The British alone produce approximately 15% of the F-35, with other components produced by many different US allies around the world. That should be a comforting thought to America's allies in the Asia-Pacific region.

Indeed, several of those allies have proven to be the F-35's most enthusiastic foreign military sales (FMS) customers, undoubtedly motivated by China's ever-increasing bellicosity (especially with the expansion of its own 5th Generation Chengdu J-20 fighter fleet) and the ongoing threats from North Korea (although granted, their air force is nowhere near as sophisticated as China's). Simple Flying now examines how the Lightning II's presence impacts the Asia-Pacific region's power dynamics. F-35s in America's Asia-Pacific allies' arsenals There are currently four US allies in the region whose air forces have purchased the F-35: Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) : 22 F-35A airframes are currently in service, according to the World Directory of Modern Military Airc.