Tighten the US-Japan alliance to contain China and Russia

  U.S. to Japan super arms sales "two birds with one stone"?

  Recently, the United States approved the second largest military trade order in history. With the approval of the United States to provide 105 F-35 stealth fighters to Japan, Japan will become the F-35's largest overseas user in one fell swoop. Experts said that this move will transform the Japanese Izumo-class helicopter carrier into a light-weight carrier with considerable combat capability. This will not only further consolidate the military relationship between the United States and Japan, but also become a powerful piece of the United States to contain the Chinese and Russian navies.

  Enhance Japanese military strength

  The US Defense News website reported on July 10 that the package approved by the United States, including 63 F-35A conventional models and 42 F-35B short-range take-off and landing models, is essentially a purchase for Japan in 2018. Green light is planned. The total value of this super arms sales contract is about 23 billion US dollars. If Japan completes this purchase, it will have 146 F-35 series fighters, becoming the second largest user of the F-35 series fighters after the United States, and also the largest overseas user.

  "Japan's purchase of more than 100 F-35s at a time can be described as generous, which will greatly enhance the combat capability of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, especially the F-35B." An anonymous military expert told this reporter that the F-35B Short take-off and vertical take-off and landing performances are well known and can be used on helicopter carriers. The introduction of F-35B has made it possible for two Japanese Izumo-class helicopter carriers to become aircraft carriers. After the transformation of the "Izumo" class, it can carry about 14 F-35Bs. 42 F-35Bs are enough to arm three light aircraft carriers of the same class. That means that Japan will have two light aircraft carriers in the short term. This is the first time Japan has a new aircraft carrier after World War II, and its military significance is self-evident.

  In addition to the F-35 fighter aircraft, the US-Japan military trade order also includes 110 HP F135 engines and 5 spare turbines, command, communication, control, computer intelligence and other electronic warfare systems, as well as F-35 logistics maintenance and technical data. , Personnel training and equipment. Experts believe that these supporting facilities are essential for enhancing the integrated combat capabilities of the US-Japan alliance.

  Obvious intentions against China and Russia

  The US Department of Defense stated that Japan purchased its fighter jets to maintain political stability and economic progress in the Asia-Pacific region. This move is for the security of allies. It is necessary for the interests of the United States to help Japan maintain a strong military force.

  "The US-Japan alliance is regarded by the United States as the cornerstone of Asia-Pacific security." The military expert stated that the United States hopes to maintain Japan's strategic control in the Asia-Pacific region by enhancing Japan's military strength. From the perspective of the United States, increased sales of F-35 to Japan will help further contain China and Russia.

  "146 F-35A/B fighter jets simultaneously let the Japanese navy and air force soar 100%, enough to deal with Japan's current'imaginary enemy' in the region." US experts emphasized.

  After World War II, restricted by the peaceful constitution, the road of independent research and development of Japanese weapons was blocked, and large-scale imports of American weapons became commonplace. Coincidentally, with the power of the United States, Japan's military strength continues to increase. In the 1980s, Japan introduced a large number of US F-16 fighters and became the country with the largest air superiority in East Asia in one fell swoop. This time, Japan also hopes to maintain its air superiority in the Asia-Pacific region by introducing F-35 fighters.

  Hide without conspiracy

  Military expert Zhang Xuefeng introduced that F-35B fighters in the F-35 series of fighters, in addition to take-off and landing performance, including flight range, maneuverability, maximum take-off weight, are in the "bottom" position, but if and other countries China’s three-generation carrier-based fighters still have considerable advantages in competing for air dominance. Therefore, we must pay enough attention to F-35B. In addition, the deployment of the Izumo and Kaga aircraft carriers equipped with the F-35B is relatively flexible and can pose a threat to opponents from multiple directions.

  However, even with the F35, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force is not invulnerable. Experts analyzed that the lack of systematic level of offensive equipment in the Japan Air Self-Defense Force will limit the use of the F-35, especially in long-range attacks. And Japan's strategic depth is relatively shallow. In contrast, Russia has cruise missiles, ballistic missiles and hypersonic missiles, which can preemptively and paralyze the F-35 base. "It is easier to destroy the F-35 on the ground than to shoot it down in the air."

  At present, Japan is stepping up research and development of a new generation of fighter aircraft. According to a report by CNN, Japan has announced that it will develop the world's leading stealth fighter. It is reported that the Japanese Ministry of Defense recently informed Congress that this "sixth generation fighter" will be put into production in fiscal year 2031 and replace nearly 100 Japanese F-2 fighters that imitate US F-16s. Japan’s FY 2020 defense budget has allocated more than US$261 million for this new fighter development project called FX

  Experts said that Japan intends to use the power of the United States to strengthen itself, and then get rid of the "protection" of the United States. It’s Japan’s real intention to hide and not to hide, and to stand still.

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