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Two Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters conducted takeoffs and landings on Japan’s largest warship, JS Izumo (DDH-183), on October 3rd, marking the first time fixed-wing aircraft have operated from a Japanese warship since World War II.

Since November 2018, the Japanese government has unveiled a plan to upgrade two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, transforming them into mini-carriers capable of carrying more than 12 F-35 stealth fighters.

“We’ve always wanted to utilize these ships for various purposes ever since we acquired them (Izumo-class multipurpose destroyers, built in 2015),” stated Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya to reporters.

While the Izumo-class warships are considered somewhat small for fixed-wing aircraft operations, it is a significant milestone for Japan, which has not employed fixed-wing aircraft on naval vessels since World War II. This undertaking necessitates the training of pilots, deck crews, and maintenance teams to handle the unique challenges of operating an aircraft carrier.

Japan’s post-World War II constitution forbids engaging in aggressive military activities. For decades, Japanese leaders have interpreted this prohibition as legally preventing the Japanese Navy from owning an aircraft carrier.

To circumvent this restriction, the Japanese Navy purchases what it terms a “helicopter destroyer.” These are surface ships equipped with an aircraft hangar and a broad deck for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to take off and land.

This time, Japan has modified the Izumo to accommodate F-35B operations, setting the stage for deploying its F-35B aircraft aboard the Izumo in the next few years. The F-35B is capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings, making the October 3rd deployment the first time a fixed-wing fighter has been aboard a Japanese warship since World War II.

The modification of Izumo and Kaga pairs with Japan’s plan to acquire 42 F-35Bs for operation from these two ships. The first JSDF F-35Bs are expected to arrive in FY 2023, and Marine F-35s will continue to operate from these ships as Japan adapts to using the fighters. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has already engaged with the UK Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) regarding F-35B operations while it was in Japan in early September.

The Izumo’s deck was recently upgraded with heat protection in the summer at the port of Isogo in Yokohama, enabling F-35Bs to make vertical landings on board.

The entire renovation of the Izumo class is anticipated to conclude by 2026. The second ship in this class, the Kaga, is undergoing a similar modification.

Japan intends to purchase 157 F-35 aircraft, including 42 F-35Bs. Contracts have been inked for the first eight, with four slated for delivery in fiscal 2024. Funding for the remaining four has been included in the budget proposal for fiscal 2022.

Japan’s Izumo ship, following these improvements, can now be viewed as a small aircraft carrier, rather than a “helicopter destroyer” as previously labeled.

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