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

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force could have its own aircraft carriers for the first time since 1945. New ships

will become carriers of the fifth generation fighters F-35B Lightning II.

What is known

Japan is not building aircraft carriers from scratch.Based on the Izumo-class helicopter carriers. One of them is called JS Kaga (DDH-184). A few days ago he left his dock. The ship was photographed in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture.

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The aircraft carrier passed the first stage of modification, inwithin which Japanese specialists changed the shape of the bow and applied a heat-resistant coating to the deck. The second stage involves changing the deck balance and strengthening the hull.

It is expected that the next stage of modification of JS Kagawill be completed by March 2024. The ship was launched in 2015 and entered service two years later. In early 2027, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will be able to deploy American F-35B fighters with short takeoff and vertical landing on board an aircraft carrier.


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Judging by the photographs that were published onlast week and early this month, the nose of the JS Kaga got wider. This is due to optimization for F-35B Lightning II aircraft. It is also worth noting that in order to increase the deck space, the Phalanx (CIWS) shipborne anti-aircraft artillery system, which has an effective firing range of about 1.5 km, had to be abandoned.


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Also Land of the Rising Sun modshelicopter carrier JS Izumo (pictured above). The first stage of modernization was completed two years ago. However, from 2025 to 2027, additional work will be carried out on the ship, incl. to install the JPALS system, which ensures precise landing of aircraft in any weather.