Japan's maritime force makes history with F‑35B carrier landing
Japan has remained in a formal state of war with Russia for years due to the dispute over the Kuril Islands. The Kaijō Jieitai, or Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, celebrated the first landing of an F-35B on the deck of the JS Kaga during sea trials off the coast of San Diego. This marks Japan's first such capability in decades.
Łukasz Michalik, a journalist, explains that the modernization of the Kaga has provided the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with its first aircraft carrier since World War II. The first landing of a combat aircraft on its deck occurred on October 20th at approximately 11 a.m. Eastern Time near San Diego. This was part of testing, integration work, and trials of the F-35B's collaboration with the ship's onboard systems.
First Japanese aircraft carrier since World War II
Representatives of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force reported that the F-35B's initial contact with the JS Kaga's flight deck was successful. Additional trials are planned for the coming days, which will include cooperation with American F-35Bs and specialists from the U.S. Navy.
The F-35B tests are significant as Japan made a preliminary agreement with the U.S. in 2020 to purchase these aircraft. The F-35B is a Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft, measuring over 15 metres in length and 10 metres in wingspan. It can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.6 and carry nearly 6,800 kilograms of armament.
Japanese Izumo-class ships
The Kaga is a converted Izumo-class helicopter carrier. The primary goal for its designers was to enable operations with an aircraft group that mainly consists of F-35B planes. The ship measures about 248 metres in length and has a displacement of approximately 30,311 tonnes.
Ultimately, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force plans to operate two Izumo-class ships, the lead JS Kaga and JS Izumo. Both are expected to reach operational readiness by 2027.
