The US Navy, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Singapore are all F-35 countries, a scenario which introduces the possibility that an US-allied coalition of 5th-gen aircraft could potentially "encircle" China in a few years.
It may seem unusual to think of the particular impact of a single platform or weapons system such as the F-35, given that the aircraft is intended to function as part of an integrated, joint, multi-domain war campaign.
However, the growing multi-national force of F-35s in the Pacific theater is increasingly positioned to exact a far-reaching and multi-dimensional impact upon the deterrence equation in the region, particularly when operating within a larger multi-domain warfare system.
Singapore, Australia, South Korea, Japan and forward operating US F-35s could potentially stretch across the theater functioning as stealthy, networked 5th-generation ISR, targeting and attack aircraft.
Also, a lesser recognized and yet-to-exist possibility for this equation would be the optimally positioned Philippines.
With an expanded US military presence in the Philippines, why not base US F-35s
Australia and South Korea are also F-35 countries and the lesser recognized but critical country of Singapore is increasing its F-35 buy as well.
Should Singapore be inclined to support a China deterrence F-35 coalition, its Air Force could protect the South Western Pacific air space from Chinese air attack. Singapore just increased it number of purchased F-35s up to 12, and its F-35s could connect with SouthEastern Pacific Australian F-35s to complete the air-dominance circle throughout the Pacific.
Alongside the growing F-35 presence throughout the Pacific, the massively stepped-up cooperation between the US and Philippines could be among the most decisive elements in any China-deterrence cooperation.
The Philippines has recently expanded its Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the United States and, as discussed by Warrior Editorial Fellow Johnny Franks, added four new locations enabling US military access. Strategically and geographically speaking, the Philippines are arguably the most critically positioned land-area within reach of Taiwan.
Franks writes that “Four new locations for US military access have been identified: Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta Ana, Lal-lo Airport in Cagayan Province, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela Province, and the Island of Balabac near Palawan.”
The Northern Philippines are merely a few hundred miles or, at most, roughly 400-to-600 nautical miles from airspace over Taiwan, distances well within the attack range of land-launched F-35As. US F-35s have trained with Philippine forces, yet perhaps larger numbers of the aircraft could permanently be based in some of the new US military bases there.
The US territory of Guam is more than 1,700 km East of Taiwan, making access difficult but not impossible with aerial refueling.
Consultant
3moGreat to see some of you guys there on Tuesday; all the best for the future! I "plough my own furrow" now but am pleased to have contributed in my time. PS I lay claim to proposing that "Integrity" be included as a Company Value! See my email chain from 2010...