In a historic moment marking a significant leap in military capabilities, two Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters achieved a groundbreaking milestone on October 3. For the first time since World War II, fixed-wing aircraft gracefully took off and landed on the formidable Japanese battleship, JS Izumo (DDH-183), showcasing the cutting-edge prowess of modern aviation technology and the strategic partnership between nations.
Since November 2018, the Japanese government has also announced a plan to upgrade two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers to turn them into mini-carriers carrying more than 12 F-35 stealth fighters.
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“Ever since we got these ships ( Izumo-class multipurpose destroyer, built in 2015), we’ve wanted to use them for many purposes,” Japanese defeпѕe Minister Takeshi Iwaya told reporters.
“While the Izumo-class warships may be deemed relatively compact for fixed-wing aircraft operations, the recent deployment of a Marine F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter from the renowned ‘Bats’ of Marine Fighter Squadron (VMFA) 242 onto the JS Izumo on October 3, 2021, highlights a pivotal shift in Japan’s military capabilities. This groundbreaking event underscores Japan’s commitment to overcoming challenges, as the nation endeavors to revitalize its naval aviation capabilities since the conclusion of World War II. The need to train pilots, deck crews, and maintenance teams for the unique challenges posed by operating an aircraft carrier further emphasizes the nation’s dedication to mastering this transformative capability on the global stage.”
“Complicating this historic leap in naval aviation capabilities is the longstanding post-World War II constitutional restriction on engaging in aggressive military activities. The interpretation of this prohibition has, for decades, posed a legal hurdle for Japan, constraining the nation from officially owning an aircraft carrier. This delicate balance between adherence to constitutional principles and the evolving strategic landscape underscores the intricate nature of Japan’s pursuit of enhanced maritime capabilities.”
The Japanese Navy, therefore to circumvent the Ьап by purchasing what it calls a “helicopter destroyer,” which is a type of surface ship with an aircraft hangar with a wide deck for helicopters and fixed-wing to take off and land.
This time, the Izumo has been modified by Japan to allow the F-35B to operate. This activity will set the stage for Japan to deploy its F-35B aircraft onboard the Izumo in the next few years. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings. The October 3 deployment is believed to be the first to have a fixed-action fіɡһteг aboard a Japanese warship since World wаг II.
The modification of Izumo and Kaga are paired with a planned JSDF buy of 42 F-35Bs to operate from the two ships. The first of the JSDF F-35Bs are set to arrive in FY 2023 and Marine F-35s are expected to continue operating off the two ships as Japan acclimates itself to using the fighters. The JMSDF has already conducted a series of engagements and exchanges in relation to F-35B operations with the U.K. Carrier ѕtгіke Group 21 (CSG21) while it was in Japan in early September
The Izumo is 248m long, 38m wide, and has a displacement of 27,000 tons at full load. Izumo’s speed can reach more than 30 knots, carrying up to 28 aircraft.
Currently, this “helicopter destroyer” Izumo is at the port of Iwakuni in Yamaguchi Prefecture, where there is an airfield that houses the aviation unit of the US Marines and US Navy squadrons.
The deck of the Izumo has just been upgraded with heat protection this summer at the port of Isogo in Yokohama, allowing F-35Bs to land vertically on board.
The entire renovation of the Izumo class is expected to be completed by 2026. The second ship in this class, the Kaga, is undergoing a similar modification.
Japan plans to buy 157 F-35 aircraft, including 42 F-35Bs. Contracts have been ѕіɡпed for the first eight, of which four will be delivered in fiscal 2024. Funds for the remaining four have been included in the budget proposal for fiscal 2022.
And now, Japan’s Izumo ship, after being improved, can be seen as a small aircraft carrier, not a “helicopter destroyer” as before.