Japan launches first aircraft carrier since World War II
Japan, due to the ongoing dispute over the Kuril Islands, has remained technically at war with Russia for several years. The Kaijō Jieitai, or Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, celebrated the first landing of an F-35B on the deck of the JS Kaga during sea trials near San Diego. This represents a type of capability that Japan hasn't possessed for decades.
As explained by Łukasz Michalik, a journalist, the modernisation of the Kaga has provided the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force with its first aircraft carrier since World War II. The inaugural landing of a combat aircraft on its deck occurred on 20 October near San Diego, during testing and integration work, as well as trials of the F-35B's interoperability with the ship's onboard systems.
The first Japanese aircraft carrier since World War II
Representatives of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force reported that the F-35B's initial contact with the JS Kaga's flight deck was successful. Further trials will be conducted in the coming days, including collaboration with American F-35Bs and specialists from the U.S. Navy.
The tests involving the F-35B are no coincidence, as Japan reached a preliminary agreement with the U.S. in 2020 concerning the purchase of these aircraft. The F-35B is a STOVL type aircraft (Short Take Off and Vertical Landing), measuring just over 15 metres in length and 10 metres in wingspan. It can reach speeds up to Mach 1.6 and carry nearly 7,000 kilogrammes of armament.
Japanese Izumo-class ships
The Kaga itself is a converted Izumo-class helicopter carrier. The primary aim of the designers was to create conditions for cooperation with an aircraft group primarily based on F-35B planes. The ship measures approximately 248 metres in length and has a displacement of 30,311 tonnes.
Ultimately, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is expected to operate two Izumo-class ships (the lead JS Kaga and JS Izumo). They should reach operational readiness by 2027.
