In recent hours, with the confirmation that the U.S. Armed Forces’ F-35B stealth fighters have begun operating from the helicopter carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has taken an important step towards modernizing and expanding maritime projection capabilities. This event, which took place following the ship’s arrival at the port of San Diego last week, is part of a series of crucial tests that will be conducted over the next few days on the high seas.
The JS Kaga set sail from the Kure Naval Base, Japan, in early September, marking its first deployment since undergoing significant modifications to operate with F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighters. This Izumo-class ship is being evaluated to optimize operations with these fifth-generation fighters.
As part of this modernization process, the United States confirmed that one of its F-35Bs successfully landed on the helicopter carrier, marking the first such operation aboard the JS Kaga. These tests are expected to continue for the next three weeks, aiming to refine the ship’s capabilities to operate with STOVL fighters.
Modifications to the JS Kaga
Among the most notable modifications made to the JS Kaga are the application of new deck coating to withstand the heat and thrust of the F-35B engines, the installation of lights for night operations, and the remodeling of the flight deck’s bow, changing its shape from trapezoidal to rectangular.
These changes are part of a larger effort by Japan to adapt its multipurpose destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga, originally designed for anti-submarine operations, into ships capable of deploying fifth-generation aircraft. Both ships, which have been in service since 2013 and 2015 respectively, received approval for this transformation a few years ago.
Future of Japan’s Defense Capabilities
This event marks only the second occasion that F-35B fighters have been deployed from a ship of this class, with the closest precedent occurring in 2021 when similar tests were conducted aboard the JS Izumo. Japan has ambitious plans to incorporate up to 42 F-35B fighters into its fleet, with the first deliveries scheduled for the end of the 2024 fiscal year.
These developments underscore Japan’s strengthening defense capabilities and its growing interoperability with the United States, in a context where collaboration between allies is becoming increasingly crucial.
The modification of the Izumo and Kaga ships to operate with F-35Bs not only bolsters Japan’s defensive capabilities but also sends a clear geopolitical message. Japan is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing its self-defense forces and its cooperation with key allies, especially the United States, at a time of rising tension in the Indo-Pacific region.
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