Map shows F-35 bases and jet fighter carriers near China

A Newsweek map shows air bases and navy carrier ships acting as permanent stations for F-35 stealth jets operated by the United States and its allies in the Western Pacific.

The F-35 fighter aircraft program—adopted by U.S. treaty allies including Australia, Japan and South Korea—forms part of America’s broader strategy to contain China’s military threat in the key region.

The Hawaii-based U.S. Indo-Pacific Command told Newsweek that the F-35 jet enhances interoperability and supports the combined combat power of the U.S. and its allies and partners, underscoring their collective commitment to “a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek that U.S. deployment of offensive weapons near China is turning the region into a “powder keg,” urging Washington to respect Beijing’s security concerns and cease undermining regional peace and stability.

Why It Matters

The Pentagon views the Indo-Pacific region—what China calls the Asia-Pacific region—as its “priority theater.” U.S. forces are deployed across the region, particularly within the first and second Island Chains that encompass Australia, Japan, and South Korea, aimed at projecting power to deter China and restrict its military activity in the event of conflict.

Facing the Chinese military’s rapid buildup and expanding presence, the U.S. military has deployed some of its most capable units—including nuclear-powered submarines and a land-based missile system—in the Western Pacific, while also selling advanced armaments to allies in the region, such as anti-ship missiles and F-35 stealth aircraft, to bolster deterrence.

What Is The F-35?

The F-35 Lightning II is a family of stealth fighter jets developed by U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin. It comes in three variants: the most common A model that operates from conventional runways; the B model, designed for short takeoffs and vertical landings from ships without full-length flight decks; and the C model, built for aircraft carrier operations.

According to Lockheed Martin, more than 1,215 jets have been delivered to participants in the F-35 program—20 countries in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. They operate from 37 air bases, and 12 naval vessels, including aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships capable of operating the B and C variants.

Forward-Deployed U.S. F-35s

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni is currently home to the U.S.-operated F-35 fleet forward-deployed in Japan, consisting of the Marine Corps’ F-35B and the Navy’s F-35C jets, with the latter assigned to USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier based in Yokosuka, Japan.

The Iwakuni-based F-35B jets operate from the amphibious assault ship USS America while underway at sea. Homeported in Sasebo, Japan, the America will be replaced by its sister ship, the USS Tripoli, which arrived in late June and is capable of operating the stealth aircraft.

As part of the Pentagon’s efforts to strengthen its Japan-based air power, the Air Force is set to deploy up to 48 F-35A jets to Misawa Air Base, replacing a fleet of 36 older F-16 aircraft.

Some of the Misawa-based F-16 aircraft were relocated to Osan Air Base in South Korea in late June, following an upgrade that gives them capabilities closer to those of F-35 aircraft.

In addition to the aforementioned locations on Honshu, one of Japan’s four main islands, the U.S. has deployed F-35A jets to Kadena Air Base on Japan’s Okinawa Island near China on a rotational basis, as the base’s fighter jet fleet transitions from the F-15C/D to the upgraded F-15EX.

Largest Foreign F-35 Fleet

Japan has ordered 147 F-35 jets for its Air Self-Defense Force—105 F-35As and 42 F-35Bs—making the U.S. ally the largest foreign customer of Lockheed Martin’s stealth fighters.

The Northeast Asian country currently operates two air bases for its F-35A fleet: Misawa on Honshu’s eastern coast and Komatsu on the island’s western coast. Misawa has hosted Japan’s stealth jets since 2018, while Komatsu received its first stealth aircraft in April.

Earlier this month, Japan’s first three F-35B jets landed at their home station, Nyutabaru Air Base, on Kyushu’s eastern coast, the country’s southernmost main island, for deployment.

Japan’s acquisition of F-35B jets aims to strengthen the defense of its southwestern outlying islands, where few airfields can support conventional fighter operations. The islands would be vulnerable to Chinese strikes if used to support U.S. operations in a Taiwan conflict.

A pair of Japanese helicopter carriers—the JS Izumo and the JS Kaga—are being converted into carriers of the F-35B. The former is homeported in Yokosuka, while the latter is based in Kure.

According to defense outlet Naval News, both vessels have completed their first stage of conversion. The Izumo and Kaga are expected to complete the second and final stage of modifications in fiscal 2027 and 2028, respectively, Japan’s Defense Ministry said.

Stealth Power On Korean Peninsula

Amid North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats, South Korea has ordered 60 F-35A jets as part of its preemptive strike strategy. The first 40 aircraft have been delivered, with the remaining 20 expected to arrive as early as next year, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Currently, all of South Korea‘s F-35A jets in service are stationed at Cheongju Air Base. Given that North Korea has practiced attacking South Korean air bases, Seoul’s military has begun assessing a second base for its future stealth aircraft to boost the fleet’s survivability.

U.S. Forces Korea Commander General Xavier Brunson has suggested that his units could be deployed to counter China’s threat rather than solely defend South Korea. Such a shift would place greater emphasis on Seoul’s own capabilities, with its F-35A fleet playing a key role.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who is meeting U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday, has publicly opposed any “flexibility” in the strategic focus of the 28,500 American troops in the country.

Presence In Southern Hemisphere

Australia is currently the only country in the Southern Hemisphere operating the U.S.-made stealth jets, with a fleet of 72 F-35A aircraft deployed at two bases: Williamtown and Tindal.

“It is a highly advanced multi-role, supersonic, stealth fighter which will meet Australia’s requirements to defeat current and emerging threats,” the Royal Australian Air Force said.

Australia’s F-35 acquisition comes as China expands its reach and presence in the South Pacific, including an unprecedented naval circumnavigation of Australia earlier this year.

What People Are Saying

Lieutenant Commander Chloe Morgan, a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command spokesperson, told Newsweek: “The F-35 includes stealth technology and has an advanced suite of sensors that enables it to create a dynamic awareness of the battlespace. The F-35 is then able to rapidly share this information with other aircraft platforms and command centers, creating greater situational awareness for commanders.”

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., told Newsweek: “China remains committed to the path of peaceful development, steadfastly pursues a defensive national defense policy, and firmly opposes the U.S. actions that seek unilateral military superiority, squeeze other countries’ security space, and create new tensions and confrontations.”

Lockheed Martin said of the F-35 program: “The F-35 strengthens national security, enhances global partnerships and powers economic growth. It is the most lethal, survivable and connected fighter aircraft in the world, giving pilots an advantage against any adversary and enabling them to execute their mission and come home safe.”

What Happens Next

The U.S. military is likely to expand its F-35 basing presence in the Western Pacific to counter China’s growing air power. Singapore is set to become the next F-35 operator in the region, having committed to acquire 12 B models and eight A models.