In a striking display of strength, the United States Air Force deployed F-22 Raptor stealth aircraft to three states in the Indo-Pacific region.
Last week, the USAF F-22 Raptor aircraft, based at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, visited three South China Sea states—Indonesia, Brunei, and the Philippines—amid growing tensions in the region—an action viewed as a demonstration of deterrence towards China.
These stealth fighter jets are part of the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Raptors reportedly visited the three states between August 6 and 10.
According to the official announcement, four USAF F-22 Raptors landed in Indonesia at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Air Force Base on August 6 for the first time. To enhance interoperability with Indonesia and raise awareness about Indonesian airspace operations, the four F-22 Raptors—preceded by a C-130—performed hot-pit refueling operations before departure. The USAF released photos of their maiden visit to Indonesia.
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On the same day, four F-22 Raptors visited Brunei, another Southeast Asian country. This was also the first time F-22s had landed in the small country on the South China Sea. The deployment came months after another fifth-generation stealth aircraft, the F-35 Lightning II, visited Brunei in March 2024.
The aircraft arrived in Brunei Darussalam on August 6, 2024. According to a press release, “During the stopover, the Commander of the Royal Brunei Air Force, Brigadier General (U) Dato Seri Pahlawan Mohd Sharif bin Dato Paduka Haji Ibrahim, visited with the F-22 crew and maintenance team for a tour of the aircraft and an introduction to its unique capabilities.”
Lastly, six F-22s touched down at the Philippines’ Basa Air Base on August 8. According to the Philippines Air Force (PAF), two took part in formation flights with FA-50 fighters from the PAF. The aircraft has made previous visits to the Philippines; however, this particular stop may hold greater significance due to the ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea.
US Air Force F-22 Raptors from 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia arrived in Brunei on Aug. 6 after completing an exercise in Australia.
They departed from Brunei via Rimba Air Force Base on Aug. 8.https://t.co/j2YNlsJfum pic.twitter.com/DQ1cXlUMUu
— Ryan Chan 陳家翹 (@ryankakiuchan) August 12, 2024
The deployments were carried out as part of the Dynamic Force Employment Operations. Although the US projected the visit as a routine outreach to friendly countries in the region, the timing is significant.
In light of China’s growing influence and militarization in the South China Sea, the United States has been actively seeking to enhance its presence in the area through increased collaboration with Southeast Asian nations.
Moreover, China is likely to have taken special notice of this deployment in its backyard as the F-22 Raptors have become symbolic of American air power. The USAF maintains that the F-22A has a distinct advantage in any combat scenario due to its advanced stealth technology, remarkable maneuverability, and ability to supercruise.
Projected as the most advanced combat aircraft in the world, the US has extensively deployed its Raptors to deter all its key adversaries as well as to build interoperability. The USAF F-22 Raptors are everywhere, but they are specifically making their presence felt in the Indo-Pacific, where the threat of a conflict with China looms large.
F-22 Raptors In The Indo-Pacific
Before embarking on their recent journey to the South China Sea states, the F-22 Raptors from the 27th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron were dispatched to Australia, where they took part in the recently concluded Exercise Pitch Black. Notably, this was also the Raptor’s first-ever participation in the Australian multi-national drills.
Last month, the US Air Force dispatched six F-22 Raptors from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, to Tindal, marking the F-22A’s inaugural participation in this exercise. The USAF noted that the Raptors flew about 80 sorties throughout the drills while integrating with 19 other countries.
The deployment is viewed as strategic, as Australia could support the US in the event of a broader Indo-Pacific conflict with China.
.@PACAF F-22A Raptors launch in support of exercise #PitchBlack24, strengthening combined aerial operations with @AusAirForce that deter aggression and preserve peace and stability in the #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific.
📸: TSgt Andrea Posey pic.twitter.com/dyKXQ34vDp
— U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (@INDOPACOM) August 5, 2024
It is well known that US military outposts in the Pacific, such as Hawaii and Guam, might serve as air force launchpads in the event of a battle between the US and China over Taiwan. However, if Canberra decides to assist the US, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) bases could be used by US fighters and bombers for conducting Indo-Pacific operations.
Alongside their deployment in Australia, the F-22 Raptors have been stationed at Japan’s Kadena Air Base as part of a rotational strategy implemented by US forces in Japan, representing a clear challenge to China and aimed at establishing effective deterrence.
Experts have observed that the deployment of Raptors to Kadena serves as a strategic response to the growing presence of Chinese J-20s. This action aims to ensure that the US maintains a technological and tactical edge in the region.
Earlier this year, the USAF deployed F-22 Raptors for a seven-day exercise, utilizing the Raptors and aircraft operating from minimal, basic airfields in Guam and the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific.
The two Pacific territories are expected to be a launch pad for US fighters in the event of a conflict with China. The Raptors were also deployed to the Philippines in March 2024 and to South Korea in May 2024.
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