Japan has taken a major step in modernizing its naval capabilities by receiving, on Thursday (7), the first three F-35B stealth short takeoff/vertical landing fighters, which will eventually operate from the Izumo and Kaga helicopter carriers.
The announcement was made by the Public Affairs Office of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF).
The aircraft landed at Newtabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture.
A fourth jet from the initial batch remained in the United States for undisclosed reasons and is expected to arrive later. According to the Ministry of Defense, an additional four F-35Bs will be delivered by March 2026.
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Although officially part of the Air Force, the F-35Bs will serve a naval role, operating from the Izumo and Kaga — ships classified by Japan as “helicopter destroyers.” With the addition of these aircraft, the vessels will effectively become light aircraft carriers, though that terminology is avoided due to political sensitivities and constitutional interpretations limiting the creation of “offensive capability.”
Ships Built for the Future
From the outset, the two ships were designed with specifications exceeding the needs of helicopters, featuring hangars, elevators, and flight decks sized for short takeoff/vertical landing aircraft. Although not officially stated at the time, the configuration suggested a strategic reserve for the future.
In 2021, the Izumo proved its ability to operate aircraft by successfully conducting landing tests with a U.S. Marine Corps F-35B. Since then, both ships have undergone retrofitting to meet operational requirements: reinforced flight decks, heat-resistant coating, upgraded navigation systems, and modifications to accommodate aviation equipment such as refueling stations.
Successful Naval Trials
Between October and November 2024, the Kaga underwent integration trials with F-35B fighters, conducting around 50 takeoffs and landings. The trials included hangar parking and maintenance, simultaneous deck operations, night landings, airspace coordination, and local air traffic control.
To enhance operational capability in all weather conditions, the Navy equipped the helicopter carriers with JPALS, a precision approach system used in naval aviation operations.
With this delivery, Japan reclaims a significant role in carrier-based aviation, marking the revival of its aircraft carrier era after decades without such vessels in its fleet.
Source and images: X @JASDF_PAO_ENG, @theF35JPO, Militarnyi.com
