Time： 2024-08-18
韦克威科技
US aircraft carrier carrying F-35C to Asia Pacific, experts warn that the situation is very unfavorable when facing China
US aircraft carrier carrying F-35C to Asia Pacific, experts warn that the situation is very unfavorable when facing ChinaThe deployment of F-35 fighter jets by the US military to the Asia Pacific region is no longer news, as the region is now a top priority of US strategy. But the F-35s previously deployed by the United States in the Asia Pacific region were either the Air Force's F-35A or the Marine Corps' F-35B, but the US aircraft carrier has never deployed the F-35C to the Asia Pacific region.
The US Air Force's F-35A is usually deployed temporarily at Kadena Base in Okinawa. The Marine Corps' F-35B is stationed at Iwakuni base in mainland Japan or deployed forward using amphibious assault ships.
It's a long story here. The F-35C is the most sluggish aircraft in the entire F-35 program, as its wing area has increased significantly and it has to meet the requirements for catapult takeoff, resulting in the least equipment so far. That is to say, the F-35 project is the biggest pitfall for the US Navy.But this situation may change soon. At present, the first Marine Corps VMFA-314 fighter attack squadron equipped with F-35C in the United States is planned to be deployed on the USS Lincoln aircraft carrier and carry out missions in the Asia Pacific region. This is the first time a US aircraft carrier has carried the F-35C into the Asia Pacific region.Forbes magazine commented that prioritizing the dispatch of F-35Cs to the Asia Pacific region demonstrates the US Navy's emphasis on this maritime area. Compared to the traditional F-18, the F-35C with stealth capabilities has better penetration capabilities, able to penetrate the enemy's air defense system and strike deep targets. But at the same time, some experts have questioned and warned that the US military is too optimistic about its situation in the Asia Pacific region.In theory, the F-35C has larger wings, more fuel, and a larger weapon compartment compared to the F-35B, and its combat power is definitely comparable. Just in terms of fuel, the F-35C has 3.6 tons more than the F-35B.In actual combat, the F-35C can use the afterburner more frequently, with greater thrust and longer range during close combat. However, during deep strike missions, the F-35C cannot be equipped with external weapons in order to maintain its stealth appearance.At this time, the F-35C can usually only carry 2 joint defense zone outer space to ground missiles and 2 AIM-120 medium range air-to-air missiles, and is not equipped with machine guns or close combat missiles.Just two missiles will soon be depleted and fall into the siege of the opponent. The F-35C does not have the supersonic cruise capability of the F-22, and may not even have time to run. So when facing a strong opponent like China, the situation of the F-35C can be said to be very unfavorable. Due to the long-term lack of equal opponents in the United States, its air power has been engaged in anti guerrilla operations for a long time. In addition, the Air Force has been tasked with maintaining air superiority on the battlefield, which has resulted in many Navy and Marine Corps pilots receiving less and less time for air combat training.Pilots are practicing more air to ground combat. They are not mentally prepared to face a tide of advanced fighter jets attacking in the Western Pacific.In fact, the US Navy may not be unaware of these, but they have been trapped in the F-35 program for too long and cannot escape for a while.The US Navy has announced its intention to separate from the Air Force and independently develop its own suitable sixth generation air superiority fighter. But distant waters cannot quench the thirst for proximity. The US Navy can only use F-18s and a small number of F-35Cs to face China's massive naval and air forces now.Source: Military Intelligence of Strong Countries
