Owner of a powerful fleet of aircraft carriers during World War II, Japan found itself deprived of naval power after the end of the conflict.
However, growing tensions with North Korea and China in the region have prompted the country’s government to change its defensive positioning to expand the military response capacity of its armed forces.
Among the initiatives are participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which will give rise to a 6th generation fighter developed jointly with the United Kingdom and Italy, but also the return of aircraft carriers.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has begun converting two Izumo-class multi-role destroyers to operate Lockheed Martin F-35B Vertical or Short Takeoff and Landing (V/STOL) fighters.
The vessels, which have a flight deck, have had their bow area expanded to accommodate fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
New trials
Considered ‘light aircraft carriers’, the JS Izumo and JS Kaga have a standard displacement of 20,000 tons and are expected to receive the first F-35Bs from March 2025. The country plans to acquire 42 of these fighters, in addition to the F-35As already in service.
To evaluate the modifications and also train its personnel, the Japanese Navy conducted a first operational test with an F-35B in 2021 on the JS Izumo.
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In early October, the JS Kaga, which had just completed its refit in March, sailed to the coast of San Diego, California, to conduct new trials with the U.S. Marine Corps’ F-35B.
The first landing took place on October 20 after the Kaga received heat-resistant material that can withstand the F-35B’s vectored thrust engines, installed lights for night operations, and remodeled the forward part of the flight deck.
Although smaller and more limited, the two converted aircraft carriers are Japan’s first since the end of World War II and will be used to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. Navy.
