Japan builds Izumo-class aircraft carriers for US F-35B Lightning II fifth-generation fighters

Japan's Maritime Self-Defence Force may get its own aircraft carriers for the first time since 1945. The new ships will be carriers of fifth-generation F-35B Lightning II fighters.

Here's What We Know

Japan is not building aircraft carriers from scratch. They are based on Izumo-class helicopter carriers. One of them is called JS Kaga (DDH-184). It left its dock a few days ago. The ship was photographed in the city of Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture.

The aircraft carrier has undergone the first phase of modifications, in which Japanese technicians reshaped the bow and applied a heat-resistant coating to the deck. The second phase involves changing the deck balancing and reinforcing the hull.

The next phase of the JS Kaga modification is expected to be completed by March 2024. The ship was launched in 2015 and commissioned two years later. In early 2027, the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force will be able to deploy American F-35B short take-off and vertical landing fighters aboard the aircraft carrier.

Judging by photos released last week and earlier this month, the JS Kaga's nose section has become wider. This is due to optimisation for the F-35B Lightning II aircraft. It is also worth noting that the Phalanx shipboard anti-aircraft artillery system (CIWS), which has an effective range of about 1.5 km, had to be abandoned to increase the deck space.

The Land of the Rising Sun is also modifying the helicopter carrier JS Izumo (pictured above). The first phase of the upgrade was completed two years ago. However, from 2025 to 2027 the ship will undergo additional work, including the installation of the JPALS system, which ensures precision landing of aircraft in all weathers.

Source: The War Zone