The United States Navy has announced the deployment of F-35C Lightning II fighters and CMV-22B Osprey aircraft to Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Iwakuni in Japan. This decision, detailed in a press release on July 15, aims to replace the aging squadrons of F/A-18 Super Hornets and C-2A Greyhound transports currently stationed at the base.

The service said that Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 147 and Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 30, Detachment Forward Deployed Naval Forces (FDNF), will be forward deployed to Iwakuni. The squadrons are set to merge with the aircraft of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, based at MCAS Iwakuni.

The F-35C Lightning II jets of VFA 147 will take over from the F/A-18 Hornets of VFA 115, while the CMV-22B Ospreys of VRM 30, Det FDNF, will replace the C-2A Greyhound aircraft previously supporting CVW 5 and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 5. Strike Fighter Squadron 115 and its F/A-18s were assigned to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in November 2017. The station presently hosts two Marine Corps squadrons equipped with F-35Bs, short-takeoff, and vertical-landing stealth fighters, alongside two Navy squadrons of Super Hornets integrated with the carrier wing.

Enhanced Air Capabilities in Response to Regional Tensions

This upgrade highlights the Navy’s commitment to maintaining superior air capabilities in the region. This development follows the Department of Defense’s recent announcement to enhance its aerial capabilities at other bases in Japan. Over the next few years, 36 modern F-15EX aircraft are slated to permanently replace 48 older F-15C/D fighter jets at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa. Additionally, Misawa Air Base in northern Japan is also set to receive 48 F-35A Lightning II aircraft to replace its 36 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets. As the Chinese military expands its presence in the region, the importance of aerial power in addressing these challenges has led to the implementation of these upgrades.

The service said that CVW 5 is aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), which has been forward-deployed to Japan for nearly nine years. The Ronald Reagan is scheduled to return to the United States for maintenance later this year, and the USS George Washington (CVN 73) will replace it as America’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier in Yokosuka, Japan.

The CVW 5 will continue to serve as the US forward-deployed carrier air wing and will be aboard the George Washington upon its return to Japan. The George Washington previously served as the Navy’s forward-deployed carrier in Yokosuka from 2008 to 2015. The exact timeline for the new aircraft’s arrival in Japan has not been disclosed.

US Navy Enhances Operational Capabilities With F-35C & CMV-22B Deployments

The US Navy’s decision to upgrade its fighter and transport aircraft is designed to address contemporary threats and enhance operational effectiveness.

• F-35C Lightning II: A Cornerstone of Air Superiority

The F-35C Lightning II, touted as the Navy’s most advanced fighter, plays a crucial role in this effort. According to the Navy, the F-35C is the cornerstone of air superiority, providing a dominant, multi-role, fifth-generation aircraft that bolsters US power projection and deterrence capabilities.

In light of the growing tensions with China in the Western Pacific, this advanced fighter is crucial for carrying out missions that require entering enemy territory. The Pentagon is developing new strategies to address challenges across the vast distances of the China and Philippine Seas, where the US and allied air bases are vulnerable to potential Chinese attacks.

The plan is to counter these obstacles by sending F-35Cs on long sorties that could span thousands of miles. These missions include making safe returns to carrier decks, navigating enemy air defenses, and using the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a glide bomb, against enemy targets. Compared to its F-35B counterpart, the F-35C boasts larger weapons bays and an additional 7,000 pounds of fuel capacity, accommodating heavier munitions, including 2,000-pound JSOW glide bombs. These attributes enhance the F-35C’s role as the Navy’s premier deep-strike platform, complementing its carrier-based operations with extended operational range and payload capabilities.

• CMV-22B Osprey: A Modernized Transport Solution

In addition to fighter upgrades, the Navy is replacing its C-2A Greyhound transport aircraft with the CMV-22B Osprey. The Osprey offers significant improvements over the Greyhound, including greater operational range, faster cargo loading and unloading, aerial refueling capability, enhanced survivability, and better beyond-line-of-sight communications. This next-generation aircraft is crucial for maintaining mobility and support for carrier strike groups, ensuring sustained deployment capabilities in high-end combat scenarios.

However, the transition to the CMV-22B has faced delays. An Osprey crash in November in southern Japan, which resulted in the loss of all eight crew members, postponed the replacement and extended the service life of the remaining 15 Navy Greyhounds. Although the 400 Ospreys in the Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force have been cleared to fly since March, they will not be fully operational across all their intended missions until mid-2025.

• Strategic Implications of the Upgrades

The deployment of the F-35C and CMV-22B to Japan has significant strategic implications. The enhanced capabilities of these aircraft align with the US Navy’s broader objectives of maintaining a forward-deployed presence in the Indo-Pacific region. This move serves as a clear signal of the United States’ commitment to its allies and partners in the region, particularly amid rising tensions with China.

The F-35C’s advanced stealth, sensor fusion, and network-enabled operations make it a formidable platform for countering potential adversaries. Its ability to conduct electronic warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions enhances the US Navy’s situational awareness and operational flexibility. These attributes are essential for maintaining a technological edge over peer competitors like China, which has been rapidly modernizing its own military capabilities.

The CMV-22B, with its tiltrotor design, offers unparalleled versatility in logistical support. Its ability to operate from both land bases and aircraft carriers ensures that the Navy can sustain its operations even in contested environments. The Osprey’s aerial refueling capability extends the operational range of carrier strike groups, enabling them to project power more effectively across the vast expanse of the Indo-Pacific.

Broader Context of US Military Enhancements in Japan

The recent announcements of the F-35C and CMV-22B deployments are part of a broader effort by the US military to enhance its capabilities in Japan. The planned upgrades at Kadena and Misawa Air Bases are indicative of a strategic shift towards modernizing the US presence in the region. This modernization effort is driven by the need to counter the growing capabilities of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and to ensure that the US and its allies maintain a credible deterrent posture.

At Kadena Air Base, the introduction of the F-15EX represents a significant upgrade over the aging F-15C/D fleet. The F-15EX boasts advanced avionics, increased payload capacity, and enhanced survivability features, making it a critical asset for air superiority missions. The permanent stationing of these aircraft at Kadena underscores the importance of Okinawa as a strategic hub for US air operations in the Western Pacific.

Similarly, the deployment of F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Misawa Air Base will provide the US Air Force with a cutting-edge platform for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The F-35A’s stealth characteristics and advanced sensor suite make it ideally suited for operations in contested environments. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with other US and allied platforms enhances coalition interoperability, a key factor in deterring aggression in the region.

Challenges and Future Prospects

While the deployment of advanced aircraft to Japan represents a significant step forward, it is not without challenges. The transition from older platforms to new ones requires careful planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to operational readiness. The recent Osprey crash highlights the inherent risks associated with introducing new aircraft into service, and the Navy will need to address these challenges to ensure a smooth transition.

Furthermore, the geopolitical landscape in the Indo-Pacific is complex and dynamic. The US must navigate its relationships with regional allies and partners, balancing the need to deter potential adversaries with the desire to avoid escalating tensions. The deployment of advanced military capabilities is a clear demonstration of US resolve, but it must be complemented by robust diplomatic efforts to maintain stability in the region.

The US Navy’s decision to deploy F-35C Lightning II fighters and CMV-22B Osprey aircraft to MCAS Iwakuni in Japan represents a significant enhancement of its operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific. These upgrades are a critical component of the US strategy to counter the growing capabilities of the Chinese military and to maintain a forward-deployed presence in the region.

The F-35C’s advanced features and the CMV-22B’s logistical versatility provide the Navy with a robust platform for addressing contemporary threats. These deployments, along with planned upgrades at other bases in Japan, underscore the US commitment to maintaining a credible deterrent posture in the face of evolving challenges.

As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the US must remain vigilant and adaptable. The deployment of advanced aircraft to Japan is a crucial step in this effort, ensuring that the US and its allies maintain the technological and operational edge needed to secure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.