Japan has modernised the helicopter carrier JS Kaga - the ship can now accommodate the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters

Japan continues to prepare to receive the fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. As part of this effort, the JS Kaga ship has been modernised.

Here's What We Know

The ship, with board number DDH 184, is an Izumo-class helicopter carrier. It is 248 metres long, 38 metres wide and has a displacement of up to 27,000 tonnes. JS Kaga was commissioned in March 2017.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force recently returned the ship to the fleet. JS Kaga was undergoing modernisation, which consisted of deck improvements. The helicopter carrier can now accommodate fifth-generation F-35B short take-off and vertical landing fighters. The process took six months.

The Land of the Rising Sun is undertaking a major infrastructure upgrade amid the impending arrival of the first batch of F-35B Lightning IIs. The six fighter jets will land in Japan in late 2024.

The temporary F-35B squadron will be established at the Nyutabaru base. The country's authorities are investing nearly $30 million to build a hangar, a supply depot and an air operations centre. In addition, a new military base is under construction on Migishima Island.

Source: @JMSDF_4EL_HQ