Japan Modifies Aircraft Carrier for F-35B Operations

[Monthly Defense Times Editor-in-Chief An Seung-beom] The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is expected to complete the first phase of modification of the Izumo-class helicopter carrier (DDH) by the end of this year.

In 2020, the Maritime Self-Defense Force initiated a project to convert two Izumo-class ships, originally built as anti-submarine helicopter carriers, into aircraft carriers dedicated to the F-35B vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets. To this end, a budget of 3.1 billion yen was spent in 2020 to install a heat-resistant flight deck and landing guidance lights for F-35B operations.

In 2021, a budget of 20.3 billion yen was allocated, and the modification of the second ship, Kaga, was planned. The core of this modification is to expand the bow into a quadrangular shape, changing it to a form similar to the US Navy’s Wasp-class or America-class, while simultaneously relocating communication antennas and the 20mm cannon on the bow to facilitate F-35B operations.

Between 2022 and 2024, F-35B fighters from the US Marine Corps stationed in Japan will be frequently deployed for interoperability testing under the name of joint exercises.

This test operation period serves as a demonstration of deterrence toward China, with the primary purpose being the domestic and international display of US-Japan joint carrier strike capabilities.

The Izumo will enter a second phase of modification by the end of 2025, transforming it into an aircraft carrier capable of operating F-35Bs. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force is known to be introducing F-35B fighters starting in 2024, deploying them at the Nyutabaru Air Base south of Kyushu.

It is expected that Japan will effectively have a two-carrier system only after the second modification is completed in 2027. In response, the Republic of Korea Navy plans to begin construction of a Korean-style aircraft carrier in 2027, accelerating its schedule to closely follow the operational deployment of Japan’s Izumo and Kaga aircraft carriers.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.