F-35s in the Philippines? Form F-35 Semi-Circle Air “Wall” From Singapore & to Japan

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

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.

A full semi-circular defensive F-35 ring around the Pacific might still be several years away as more F-35s arrive in Japan and other areas throughout the region, yet a simple glance at a map of F-35 nations would seem to suggest that indeed an allied US-force could literally “encircle” China throughout the Pacific with a 5th-generation air “wall.” 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 there?

The expansion of the F-35 across the Pacific could accurately be described as explosive, due to a number of key variables. Within recent years, Japan has solidified a massive, $35 billion F-35 acquisition, bringing a large ocean and land-launched 5th-generation JSFs to a growing network across the Pacific. 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. These countries, particularly when combined with sea-based US-Navy F-35s operating from carriers and amphibs, can literally “encircle” the Pacific in a ring of networked F-35 aircraft. This prospect is immeasurably strengthened by the F-35’s Multi-Function Data Link (MADL) which enables F-35s from all the countries to securely and seamlessly share data across the entire Pacific theater. This means Japanese and South Korean F-35s could seek air superiority along the Sea of Japan and Korean peninsula, stretching down below Japan’s Southern Island Chain. Should Japanese F-35s take off from Japan’s Southernmost points, they could help secure air zones North of Taiwan and, with refueling, reach Taiwanese airspace. Forward positioned US carriers and amphibs could occupy a critical central position West of Taiwan, placing 5th-generation aircraft within striking range of Taiwan or parts of the South China Sea depending upon where they operate in the central and SouthEast areas of the Pacific. 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.

It may take several years before large numbers of Japanese F-35s arrive, yet the Japanese Self-Defense Maritime Force is acquiring ocean-based F-35Bs capable of transiting South of Japan to skies above Taiwan traveling on Japanese mini-carriers.

Philippine F-35s?