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**USMC F-35Bs, Helicopters, and Stinger Missiles Defend Beach from Amphibious Assault in Joint Military Exercise**
In a recent joint military exercise, the United States Marine Corps (USMC) demonstrated its formidable amphibious defense capabilities by integrating advanced air, ground, and missile systems to repel a simulated beach assault. The exercise, which involved the use of F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, helicopters, and Stinger missiles, showcased the USMC's ability to defend strategic coastal areas from enemy amphibious forces. This exercise is part of the broader effort to enhance the U.S. military's readiness in response to evolving global threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.
### The Scenario: Defending the Beachhead
The exercise simulated a scenario in which an adversary attempted to launch an amphibious assault on a strategically important coastline. Amphibious assaults, which involve the use of naval forces to land troops and equipment on hostile shores, are a key component of modern military operations. In this exercise, the USMC was tasked with defending the beachhead from an incoming enemy force using a combination of air superiority, ground-based missile defense, and rotary-wing support.
### F-35B Lightning II: Air Superiority and Close Air Support
At the forefront of the exercise were the USMC's F-35B Lightning II fighter jets, the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation stealth fighter. The F-35B's advanced sensor suite, stealth capabilities, and ability to operate from amphibious assault ships make it a critical asset in both offensive and defensive operations.
During the exercise, the F-35Bs provided air superiority by engaging enemy aircraft and neutralizing threats before they could reach the beachhead. The jets also played a crucial role in close air support (CAS), delivering precision-guided munitions to destroy enemy landing craft, armored vehicles, and troop concentrations. The F-35B's ability to operate in contested environments, combined with its advanced targeting systems, allowed it to effectively support ground forces and prevent the enemy from gaining a foothold on the beach.
### Helicopters: Mobility and Firepower
In addition to the F-35Bs, the USMC deployed a variety of helicopters to support the defense of the beach. AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters and UH-1Y Venom utility helicopters provided close air support and troop transport capabilities, respectively. The AH-1Z V
