Japan is enhancing its defence capabilities and allied deterrence in the Indo-Pacific with ongoing F-35B sea trials aboard the JS Kaga.
These trials, conducted off the coast of southern California, mark another step in Japan’s integration of the stealth, supersonic jump jet into naval operations.
The trials are supported by a specially instrumented F-35B from the U.S. Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three and the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force.
The JS Kaga has undergone significant modifications to support fixed-wing aircraft operations, including the addition of heat-resistant materials to its flight deck, new lighting for nighttime missions, and a reshaped bow.
These upgrades follow Japan’s earlier success testing the F-35B aboard the JS Izumo, which marked the first fixed-wing aircraft operations on a Japanese military ship since World War II.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Captain Shusaku Takeuchi, commanding officer of the JS Kaga, emphasised the strategic importance of these trials:
“This test is essential for strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and is of utmost importance. It also improves the interoperability between Japan and the U.S., strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”
Japan’s adoption of the F-35B underscores its commitment to bolstering partnerships with key allies, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Last year, Japanese officers observed F-35B operations aboard the Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales, with a Royal Navy officer noting, “It is quite possible we will one day see a Japanese F-35B landing on the deck of HMS Prince of Wales.”
By 2035, the Indo-Pacific region is projected to host a fleet of over 300 F-35s, including Japan’s fifth-generation aircraft, solidifying the aircraft’s role as a cornerstone of regional defence and allied interoperability.
Be good to sea P.O.W. and Kage exchanging F35’s next year. Something for foture as well.
Indeed.
For various reasons it would need to have been a pilot who had done an exchange with joint F35B force.
I do remember once apon a time the Elizabeth haters would bang on about the F35b Elizabeth’s not being interoperable with most of the wests carrier forces…the west now has 17 carriers that are vertical launch and take off and 11 CATOBAR. With five allied nations operating vertical launch and takeoff aircraft. Infact the F35b is set to become the most common 5th generation carrier borne fighter on the planet with the F35C becoming the red headed step child