Free Republic

The US Air Force and Japan Air Self Defence Force have concluded a week-long aviation training relocation exercise here recently. The exercise saw participation of about 90 airmen from both the countries. The USAF deployed five of its F-16 Falcon fighters at Japan's Tsuiki air base where the pilots conducted air combat training with the Japanese Air Force's F-12 and F-15 fighters. “The opportunity to fly with the JASDF during this ATR has increased operation readiness and bilateral interoperability for both US and Japanese forces,” Maj. Chris Eberth, the Tsuiki ATR detachment commander assigned to the 14th Fighter Squadron, said....

India is concerned about reports of a renewed Pakistani effort to buy F-16 fighter jets from the United States, saying the advanced aircraft could spark an arms race in South Asia even though Washington maintains that no such sales are being contemplated. "We are against introducing such advanced weaponry into South Asia," an Indian government official said Tuesday on the condition of anonymity. "They are not useful in the war on terror, and experience has shown that they could be used against India. ... They could spark a buildup or a weapons race in the region." In September, the Pakistani...