Japan’s first batch of 3 F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing stealth fighters, purchased in August, began official deployment. In the 2025 fiscal year, Japan will receive a total of 8 F-35B aircraft, with Japan acquiring a total of 42 F-35B fighters to equip two Izumo-class light aircraft carriers.
The second ship of the Izumo-class aircraft carrier, the Kaga, has been continuously training and using the capabilities of the F-35B fighters. In October 2024, the Kaga arrived off the coast of San Diego, USA, where the US Marine Corps’ F-35B aircraft conducted takeoff and landing training on the Kaga. In early August of this year, aircraft carriers from the US, UK, and Japan conducted joint exercises in the Philippine Sea. The F-35B fighters carried by the US and UK aircraft carriers landed and took off from the Kaga’s deck, marking a new milestone in trilateral maritime and air cooperation between the US, UK, and Japan.
In addition to the Kaga, the first ship of the Izumo-class aircraft carrier, the Izumo, is undergoing the second phase of modifications to be able to accommodate F-35B fighters and become a true aircraft carrier. Because the Izumo-class carriers do not have catapults, they can only operate F-35B fighters with short takeoff/vertical landing capability. Due to the F-35’s nickname being Lightning II, aircraft carriers using F-35B fighters are also known as Lightning carriers. The UK’s Queen Elizabeth-class carrier, Italy’s Cavour aircraft carrier, and the US America-class amphibious assault ship all fall into this category of Lightning carriers. With the successful ongoing modifications of the Izumo-class carriers, Japan’s carrier fleet is gradually taking shape.
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