U.S. fifth-generation fighter jets recently flew through Southeast Asia in early August, visiting countries around the South China Sea to strengthen relationships in the region amidst tensions with China.
The visits followed the Pitch Black exercise, involving 140 jets from 20 countries training in Australia. This exercise, which featured a record number of fifth-generation “stealth” jets, including U.S. Air Force F-22s, ended on August 2. Following the exercise, the F-22s redeployed to their base in Japan on Operation Iron Blade, landing in Bali on August 6 for the first time. The visit allowed for training and increased awareness of Indonesian airspace operations.
After Bali, the F-22s also visited Brunei and the Philippines, where they engaged in exercises and training with local air forces. They continued their tour with visits to Singapore, showcasing their capabilities in air combat training and aerial refueling.
The presence of F-22s in Southeast Asia demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to regional security and partnerships. The military continues to deepen ties with countries in the region like the Philippines, Vietnam, and Thailand while also exploring opportunities to expand cooperation with other nations like India, New Zealand, and Malaysia.
Despite increasing exercises with China, many Southeast Asian countries still prefer to train with the U.S. due to concerns about Beijing’s activities. The F-35 visits earlier in the year were driven by the growing awareness of the threat posed by China, opening doors for greater collaboration and coordination among allies and partners in the region.