Yesterday, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) announced that one of its largest ships, the Izumo-class helicopter carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184), is on its way to the west coast of the United States. This deployment will test its future F-35B stealth fighters in flight deck operations, taking place from October 5 to November 18, with support from the U.S. Navy.
It should be noted that the Izumo-class, consisting of JS Izumo and JS Kaga, was originally designed as helicopter carriers and is currently undergoing a conversion process to be capable of deploying these fifth-generation aircraft. In the specific case of the deployed ship, the first stage of deck modification work began in 2022, including a new rectangular bow shape and the installation of a new coating capable of withstanding the temperatures from the F-35B engine.
In a subsequent series of events (probably later this year), the Izumo-class is expected to receive second-stage modifications, which would include the modification of the ship’s internal compartments to store the F-35B’s weaponry and final adjustments to the deck shape. The tests to be conducted next month on JS Kaga will be crucial for data collection, as they will include short takeoffs, vertical landings, and simulations of real combat deployment tempos.
Regarding this, it should be noted that these are only the second tests with F-35B fighters embarked on one of the Izumo-class vessels, with the previous instance occurring in 2021 and involving the deployment of this type of aircraft from JS Izumo. It is worth remembering that Japan plans to acquire up to 42 F-35Bs to equip its ships, although the first six units are not expected to be delivered until the end of fiscal year 2024. For now, as in the previous occasion, the JMSDF ship’s tests will be conducted with U.S. Marine Corps or F-35 Integrated Test Force (PAX ITF) fighter jets.
Finally, it should be remembered that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has already worked closely with European navy aircraft carriers operating the F-35 platform in 2021, facilitating the collection of data to begin converting their helicopter carriers. Specifically, these include visits from the ITS Cavour (550) of the Italian Navy, and the HMS Queen Elizabeth of the British Royal Navy; at the end of last year, joint operations were also carried out with the HMS Prince of Wales. On all occasions, JMSDF personnel exchanged crews with their Italian and British counterparts, providing a great opportunity to share procedures and experiences in the use of the aircraft.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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