The Air Self-Defense Force began deploying F-35B stealth fighter jets in southwestern Japan on Thursday, apparently preparing to operate them from carriers as China ramps up military activities in nearby waters.Three F-35Bs piloted by U.S. personnel flew from Guam to Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture, with one of the jets making a vertical landing. The ASDF plans to acquire a total of 42 F-35Bs and deploy eight to the base by March.Planned training flights for the U.S.-made jets, which can take off from short runways and land vertically, have already sparked a backlash from resident…READ FULL ARTICLE
