Japan and the US are considering constructing a floating runway off Japan to alleviate concerns over noise pollution generated by night practice of US Navy airplanes, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun. The runway would be about 2.5 miles from Iwakune Marine Corps Air Station, which is 440 miles southeast of Tokyo. Construction costs for the project are estimated between $3.6 and $4.5 billion.
The Air Force is spending heavily on F-22 improvements through the end of the decade, suggesting it may not retire the jet in 2030 as it previously planned. New sensors, fuel tanks, communications, and electronic warfare systems are among the upgrades that comprise the package.