Japan took an important step in the modernization of its naval capacity upon receiving, this Thursday (7), the first three furtive vertical take-off fighters F-35b, which in the future will operate from the Izumumo and Kaga holders.
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The information was disclosed by the Press Department of the Air Force of Eutodepense of Japan (Jasdf).
The aircraft landed at the Newtabaru Air Base, in the prefecture of Miyazaki. A fourth plane, which was part of the initial lot, remained in the United States for not revealed reasons and will arrive later. According to the Ministry of Defense, another four F-35b will be delivered before March 2026.
Although officially belonging to the Air Force, the F-35B will have a naval role, operating aboard the Izumo and the Kaga, ships classified by Japan as “porting of the holder.” With the incorporation of these aircraft, the ships will effectively become light aircraft carrier, although this terminology is avoided due to political restrictions and the interpretation of the Constitution, which limits the creation of “offensive capacity”.
Ships prepared for the future
Designed from the beginning with specifications to those necessary for helicopters, both ships had hangars, elevators and covers sized to accommodate vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Although this was not officially declared, the configuration indicated a strategic reserve for the future.
In 2021, the Izumo confirmed its ability to operate aircraft by successfully performing landing tests with an F-35B of the United States Marines. Since then, both ships have gone through adaptation work: cover reinforcement, heat -resistant coating application, modernization of navigation and preparation systems to receive aviation equipment, such as replenishment positions.
Successful naval tests
Between October and November 2024, the Kaga underwent integration tests with F-35B fighters, making about 50 landings and takeoffs. The tests included parking and maintenance in hangar, simultaneous operations on deck, night landings, space-air coordination and air traffic control around the ship.
To increase the operational capacity in any climatic condition, the Navy installed the JPALS, an accuracy approach system used in naval operations with aircraft in the jiplopters.
With this delivery, Japan takes up a significant role in the field of embarked aviation, marking a rebirth of the era of Japanese aircrafts after decades of absence of this type of ship in the fleet.
Sources and images: x @jasdf_pao_eng, @thhef35jpo, Militarnyi.com. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
