Japan has taken an important step in modernizing its naval capacity by receiving, on Thursday (7), the first three Furtiva Vertical takeoff fighters F-35B, which will be operated from the Izumo and Kaga holders. The information was released by the Japanese Air Force Press Office (JASDF).
The aircraft landed at Newtabaru Air Base in Miyazaki province. A fourth jet, which was part of the initial lot, remained in the United States for unveiled reasons and should arrive later. According to the Ministry of Defense, four more F-35B will be delivered until March 2026.
While officially integrating the Air Force, the F-35B will play a naval role, operating aboard Izumo and Kaga, ships classified by Japan as “destroy holders. With the incorporation of these aircraft, vessels will effectively become lightweight aircraft, but terminology is avoided due to political restrictions and interpretation of the Constitution, which limits the creation of “offensive potential”.
Ships prepared for the future
Designed from the outset with specifications above the necessary helicopters, the two ships had hangars, elevators and gaps sized to accommodate takeoff and vertical landing aircraft. Although this was not officially declared, the configuration indicated a strategic reserve for the future.
In 2021, Izumo confirmed its ability to operate aircraft by successfully performing landing with an F-35B of the US Marine Corps. Since then, both ships go through retrofitting for adequacy: deck reinforcement, application of heat resistant coating, modernization of navigation systems and adaptation to receive aviation equipment, such as refueling posts.
Successful naval tests
Between October and November 2024, the Kaga underwent integration tests with F-35B fighters, performing about 50 landings and takeoffs. The tests included parking and maintenance in Hangar, simultaneous deck operations, nightly landings, space-air coordination and air traffic control around the ship.
To expand operational capacity in any climatic condition, the Navy installed the helicopter holders JPALs, a precision approximation system used in naval operations with aircraft.
With this delivery, Japan resumes a significant role in the shipped aviation scenario, marking a rebirth of the era of Japanese aircraft after decades of this type of ship in the fleet.
Source and images: x @jasdf_pao_eng, @thef35JPO, Militarnyi.com
