During the past weekend, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) reported the return of its helicopter carrier JS Kaga (DDH-184) to its homeport in Kure. This followed a deployment in waters near the U.S. to assess its capabilities for operating F-35B fighter jets. The news was shared by the JMSDF on social media, stating that the mission spanned three months, having begun on October 19.
It is worth noting that the JMSDF is in the process of adapting its helicopter carriers JS Kaga and its sister ship JS Izumo (DDH-183) to operate with Japan’s planned fleet of 42 F-35B fighters. For this purpose, tests were conducted alongside U.S. aircraft from the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23, piloted by members of the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF). This unit has extensive experience testing maritime variants of the fifth-generation fighter, having participated in trials for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, as well as the British Royal Navy.
It should also be noted that while the F-35Bs are one of the maritime variants of the system, Japan’s fleet of these aircraft will be operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and not by the JMSDF’s aviation branch. Thus, the Japanese Air Force could boast a total of up to 147 stealth fighters manufactured by Lockheed Martin, considering it will also operate a fleet of 105 conventional takeoff and landing F-35A variants.
Providing more details, Japan’s Defense Minister Nakatani Gen recently announced during a press conference that six F-35Bs are expected to be deployed at Nyutabaru Air Base during fiscal year 2024. Although no specific dates for the aircraft’s arrival from the U.S. were given, discussions with the U.S. Department of Defense are ongoing to finalize the formation of a temporary squadron prior to their arrival.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that during its return journey to Japan, the JS Kaga carried out an at-sea replenishment operation with the dry cargo ship USNS Washington Chambers (T-AKE-11) on November 18. Subsequently, on November 26, it was reported that the helicopter carrier had arrived at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, departing from there for its aforementioned homeport in Kure.
Image credits: @jmsdf_krh on X
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