F-35B Fighter Lands on Japan's Modified Izumo-class Warship for First Time

A U.S. Navy Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II multirole fighter aircraft landed for the first time on Japan's Izumo-class destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) off the southern coast of California, as part of trials to support fixed-wing aircraft operations.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) confirmed the event on October 21. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is expected to receive its first U.S.-made F-35B by March 2025, with plans to deploy the aircraft to Nyutabaru Air Base in Kyushu.

On October 20, an F-35B, flown by a test pilot from the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), touched down at approximately 3:15 p.m. According to the U.S. Navy, the sea trials on the JS Kaga will assess the warship's ability to support F-35B operations, which include short takeoff, vertical landing, and other flight activities. These trials are essential for validating the JS Kaga’s conversion into an aircraft carrier capable of launching and recovering F-35B jets.

This development also aligns with Japan's efforts to counter growing military activities in the region, particularly in the East China Sea and Pacific Ocean.

The two vessels have each been modified twice as part of their five-year refit and overhaul programs. The Kaga completed its first major modification in March, reshaping the bow to a rectangular form and making part of the deck heat-resistant for aircraft landings.

In October 2021, the JMSDF, with U.S. Marine Corps support, conducted F-35B takeoff and landing tests on the Izumo near Shikoku.

In fiscal year 2024, the Izumo's second modification involves converting its bow to a square shape, similar to Kaga’s in fiscal year 2023. The Izumo’s modification will finish in fiscal year 2027, and Kaga’s in fiscal year 2028. The two Izumo-class helicopter carriers are 248 meters long with a 19,500-ton displacement.

The ongoing F-35B operational tests aboard JS Kaga are part of the JMSDF’s Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 (IPD24), which involves close collaboration with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.