12 F-22s arrive in Japan.

theaviationist.com...

I believe that the largest number of F-22s sent overseas to date. These are to be followed by 14 F-16s, also out of Elmendorf.

While the usual statement of having been scheduled previously, the article points out these Raptors are at a base just west of Tokyo rather than the usual base in Okinawa.

Little coverage of this. Thoughts?

a reply to: nwtrucker
Good news, thanks. Our friends in Japan could use those beauties.

I wouldn't read to much into the move. We have enough assets in South Korea to handle anything the north can throw at them. They are probably just training on foreign soil with their gull grey new toy.

a reply to: nwtrucker

Hmmm ... 12 birds = 2 corridors.

Where are the missile trucks? That's the question. LOL

originally posted by: Bluntone22
I wouldn't read to much into the move. We have enough assets in South Korea to handle anything the north can throw at them. They are probably just training on foreign soil with their gull grey new toy.

Likely your right. Still, 12? With 14 F-16s?

Worth keeping an eye on.....

a reply to: nwtrucker

Definitely a lot of firepower. I'm sure china has an eye on them.

a reply to: Bluntone22

This is my thought process as well. What is Mother "China" making of this?

And of course, who will be manning these fine war birds?

a reply to: ReadLeader

It's a deployment. The aircraft, pilots and all support personnel are out of Elmendorf Joint Base in Alaska. They are and will be manned and operated by U.S. personnel. They aren't loaned, sold or rented. LOL. When the deployment is complete, all will return to Alaska....unless otherwise deployed.

Some joint training with Japanese AF equipment and personnel for familiarization, that's the norm. That's my limited understanding of it.

originally posted by: Bluntone22
I wouldn't read to much into the move. We have enough assets in South Korea to handle anything the north can throw at them. They are probably just training on foreign soil with their gull grey new toy.

Then there's the other side of N.K.. A pre-emptive option.

The Raptors drastically reduce the number of losses that would be incurred going 'north'.

They only stayed a couple of days before moving on. It was a show and tell and a couple training flights.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
They only stayed a couple of days before moving on. It was a show and tell and a couple training flights.

Where'd they go?

a reply to: Zaphod58

asia.nikkei.com...

Per this report, the number is now at 14 F-22s with 2 arriving yesterday. The report also states it's a temporary deployment.

That doesn't sound like they've moved on or even planning to.?

a reply to: nwtrucker

They're probably going to different bases working with various units in the region.

a reply to: nwtrucker

Thanks Nwt. That sheds more light on this. Since the f22 is a single seater, I assume we will be in command? Clearly we're there for a show of force.

Golly, she's a beaut!!!!

It's a massive chess game happening over there with China maneuvering greatly to control the islands in the South East. It's no secret that her neighbors welcome U.S. military presence there especially Japan and the Philippines with the latter recently signing a defense agreement allowing U.S. military personnel and war machines to use local bases and even build one themselves if they so wish.

Expect Donald Trump or Bernie Sanders to continue this military buildup in South East Asia. Lol.

a reply to: nwtrucker

According to what I heard they were leaving either today or tomorrow heading to their next location.

Did you miss this part?

When the ministry inquired about the arrival of the fighters, the United States replied the Air Force would temporarily deploy a total of 26 F-22 and F-16 fighters at the Yokota base from Wednesday to Friday.

a reply to: ReadLeader

They send out Theater Security Packages occasionally. They are both a show of force, and to work with our allies to teach them how to work with US assets.

a reply to: Zaphod58


Yep, missed it..old age, is my excuse,

a reply to: Zaphod58

I likeitalot!!!!!

Man, what a beaut of a bird

a reply to: ReadLeader

They all tested right over where I lived a few years ago. We got some amazing shows watching them.