Japan took a significant step in the modernization of its naval abilities on Thursday (7) when it took over the first three stealth fighters with the F-35B vertical take-off, which will operate from helicopter Izumo and Kaga in the future.
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The information was published by the Japanese Air Force Press Department (JASDF).
The aircraft landed at the Newtabar air base in Mijazaki Prefecture. The fourth machine from the original van remained for unspecified reasons in the United States and arrives later. According to the Ministry of Defense, four more F-35B will be delivered by March 2026.
Although they are formally part of the Air Force, the F-35B will have a naval role and will operate from Izumo and Kaga ships that Japan officially classifies as “helicopters” destroyers “. However, with the adoption of these aircraft, vessels will actually become light aircraft ships, although this term is avoiding this term for political reasons and for the interpretation of the Constitution – restricting the creation of an “offensive potential”.
Ships ready for the future
Since the beginning with parameters exceeding the needs for helicopters, both ships have had hangars, elevators and decks dimensioned for aircraft with vertical take -off and landing. Although it was not officially announced, the configuration indicated a strategic reserve in the future.
In 2021 Izumo confirmed its ability to operate aircraft when successfully conducted a test landing F-35B US Marine. Since then, both carriers have undergone modifications: reinforcement of the deck, applying the heat of durable coating, modernization of navigation systems and adaptation for aerial equipment, including pumping stations.
Successful naval tests
Between October and November 2024, KAGA passed the F-35B integration tests, during which it carried out approximately 50 landings and take-offs. The tests included parking and maintenance in the hangar, parallel operations on board, night landing, air-space coordination and air traffic control around the ship.
To expand the operating capacity under any weather conditions, the Navy installed the JPALS system on the helicopters – the accurate approach system used in aircraft naval operations.
This van means the return of Japan to an important role in the on -board Air Force and represents the rebirth of the Japanese aircraft carrier era after decades of the absence of this type of vessels in the fleet.
Source and pictures: x @jasdf_pao_eng, @thef35jpo, Militarnyi.com. This content was created with the help of AI and checked by the editorial team.
