Share this @internewscast.com

The United States has conducted its largest military formation exercise to date in the South China Sea region, demonstrating an impressive array of supersonic stealth jets, attack helicopters, and military drones.

This powerful display, known as “Elephant Walk,” involved 53 U.S. military aircraft and took place at the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan.

U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps, along with U.S. Army Patriot missile batteries line up on the runway for an elephant walkCredit: Public Affairs Journeyman / Snr Airman Tyley Meyer
Aerial view of military aircraft lined up on a runway for an elephant walk exercise.
The show of power, dubbed “Elephant Walk”, was formed using 53 US military aircraftCredit: Public Affairs Journeyman / Snr Airman Tyley Meyer
Aerial view of numerous US Air Force aircraft and ground vehicles on a runway.

Pictures of the formation, which was put up just 400miles off the coast of China, captured multiple US fighter jets in a tight formation.

They were put behind advanced military choppers and were flanked by air defence systems on both sides.

Attack drones and naval aircraft were a part of the formation, while larger aircraft were staged behind the fighter jets’ formation.

The event showcased a diverse collection of cutting-edge military aircraft, including 24 F-35A jets from the US Air Force, eight F-15E fighters, and six HH-60 Jolly Green II helicopters.

Two MQ-9 Reapers, two MC-130J Commando IIS and six KC-135 Stratotankers were also present.

The formation was guarded by two US Army MIM-104 Patriot air defence systems.

US military’s 18th Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant Brandon Wolfgang said: An elephant walk like this sends a message you can’t ignore—it shows our Airmen, allies, and adversaries that we’re united, capable, and ready.

Meanwhile, 18th Wing Commander Brigadier General Nicholas Evans said the Air Force’s ability to “project airpower” alongside its allies “demonstrates our commitment to the alliance with Japan and to maintaining stability across the Indo-Pacific.”

The military formation is understood to be one of the largest in recent history.

In 2020, a 52-aircraft formation was put up for display at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.

China’s Taiwan invasion plan could trigger WW3 if US gets involved, expert warns

It comes after a top US admiral has warned that China will soon be able to defeat the US in a war over Taiwan.

The chilling warning comes amid fears that China is preparing for a full-scale invasion of the island as it masses warships and submarines.

Commander of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Paparo, raised the alarm at the McCain Institute’s annual Sedona Forum in Arizona on Friday.

The admiral said that while the US would defeat China in a war over Taiwan now, it may soon lose its advantage, as reported by the Financial Times.

Paparo said: “The United States will prevail in the conflict as it stands now, with the force that we have right now.” 

But he added: “Our trajectory on . . . really every force element that is salient is a bad trajectory.”

China has ramped up its production of weapons including warships and submarines – and the US doesn’t seem to be able to keep up.

According to Paparo, for every 1.8 warships made in the US each year China builds an impressive six.

Aircraft carrier and accompanying ships at sea.
China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning takes part in a military drillCredit: Reuters
Illustration of three military jets in flight.
China’s Nanchang Q-5 ‘Fantans’ fighter jetsCredit: Alamy
Illustration of China's potential attack on Taiwan, showing military troop and equipment numbers for both countries.

And for every 1.4 submarines made in the US, it builds two.

The warning comes as China continues to expand its military exercises around Taiwan, as fears of an invasion mount.

Paparo fuelled fears of an attack, saying that Beijing is rehearsing “the full spectrum of military operations” – from a direct invasion of the island to a naval blockade.

This comes as Taiwan reported at least 19 Chinese warships as well as the large Shandong aircraft carrier patrolling nearby last month.

When asked whether the US would support military intervention in Taiwan, he responded: “A lesson in history is that people are always saying America will never get in a fight, but it’s not the track record.”

But if China continues to ramp up its weapons production the US may not be able to protect the island.

Why does China want to invade Taiwan?

TAIWAN insists it is an independent nation after splitting from mainland China amid civil war in 1949.

But China claims Taiwan remains a part of its territory with which it must eventually be reunified – and has not ruled out the use of force to take the island and place it under Beijing’s control.

The island, which is roughly 100 miles from the coast of south-east China, sees itself as distinct from the Chinese mainland, with its own constitution and democratically-elected leaders.

Taiwan sits in the so-called “first island chain”, which includes a list of US-friendly territories that are crucial to Washington’s foreign policy in the region.

This also puts it in an ideal situation to slow a Chinese attack on the West.

And with tensions between the two nations high, Taiwan is likely to aid China’s enemy if it means keeping its independence.

Taiwan’s economy is another factor in China’s desperation to reclaim the land.

If China takes the island, it could be freer to project power in the western Pacific and rival the US, thanks to much of the world’s electronics being made in Taiwan.

This would allow Beijing to have control over an industry that drives the global economy.

China insists that its intentions are peaceful, but President Xi Jinping has also used threats towards the small island nation.

And China may have more weapons than previously thought.

Google Maps images exposed China’s secret submarine fleet back in April.

The shocking pictures showed six nuke boats massed at a Chinese base.

These included two of the deadly Type 091 submarines, two Type 093A and one chillingly unidentified submarine.

The base – dubbed the First Submarine Base – is located 18km east of Qingdao in the Yellow Sea, meaning there’s easy access to the East China Sea and the Sea of Japan.

Australian independent naval analyst Alex Luck posted the shocking images to X.

In the post, he said that five nuclear-powered subs seen on the base were conventionally armed.

Chinese soldiers marching with their flag.
Tensions between China and neighbouring Taiwan have soared in recent years as the threat of war loomsCredit: Getty
Military vehicles in a motorcade.
Taiwanese tanks parade the streets in TaipeiCredit: AFP
Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
President Trump signing an executive order.

An Overview of the Presidential Fitness Test: The Activities Students Must Complete as Donald Trump Revives the Program

A SCHOOL tradition that once had students running one mile and doing…
Lollapalooza 2025: Chance the Rapper joins Saturday lineup; Olivia Rodrigo, Korn set to headline Friday in Chicago

Chance the Rapper to Perform at Lollapalooza 2025 on Saturday; Olivia Rodrigo and Korn to Lead Friday’s Acts in Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Chance the Rapper has been added to the Lollapalooza…
NYC shooting victim's daughter delivers tearful eulogy at funeral: 'Never imagined this happening'

Daughter’s Heartfelt Eulogy at NYC Shooting Victim’s Funeral: ‘I Never Imagined This’

Speaking to hundreds of mourners on Thursday, the daughter of slain Blackstone…
Aerial view of the atomic bomb explosion over Hiroshima, Japan.

Unveiling the Horrors: The Devastating Impact of WW2’s Atomic Bombings

IT was the day that changed the world for ever – when…
Tennessee man sought in 4 deaths spent years in prison for robbing a convenience store at age 16

Tennessee Man Wanted for Four Murders Previously Served Time for Convenience Store Robbery at 16

In Nashville, Tennessee, authorities are on the lookout for a suspect involved…
Hot dogs spill across interstate after tractor trailer crash to clog commute for steamed motorists

Tractor Trailer Crash Spills Hot Dogs on Interstate, Snarling Traffic and Frustrating Drivers

A truck carrying hot dogs was involved in a crash along a…
Democratic states sue Trump admin over ending sex change surgeries for minors

Democratic States Take Legal Action Against Trump Administration for Halting Gender-Affirming Surgeries for Minors

Over a dozen officials from Democratic-led states have initiated a lawsuit aimed…
Jeffrey Epstein's former girlfriend, Ghislaine Maxwell, is transferred to a prison camp in Texas

Ghislaine Maxwell, Ex-Girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein, Moved to Texas Prison Camp

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ghislaine Maxwell, previously imprisoned in Florida, has been relocated…
Colorado deputies violated new state law when sharing information with federal immigration agents

Colorado Deputies Broke New State Law by Sharing Information with Federal Immigration Agents

Two Colorado deputies have faced disciplinary actions for providing information to federal…
Ghislaine Maxwell moved to Texas prison camp

Ghislaine Maxwell Transferred to Texas Prison Facility

Maxwell’s attorney confirmed the move, but declined to comment on why she…
UPDATED: Dead Man With Firearm Found at Coeur d'Alene Shooting Site—2 Firefighters Confirmed Killed

Breaking: Massive Search Underway in Montana After Gunman Kills Four at Anaconda Bar

There’s a horrible story out of Montana Friday, as authorities say a…
US report urges UN agency's shutdown over Hamas ties, Oct 7 terror links

US Report Calls for Closure of UN Agency Due to Connections with Hamas and Links to October 7 Terror Concerns

The U.S. State Department issued a devastating report to Congress on the…