The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is transforming two Izumo-class aircraft carriers into light carriers capable of carrying F-35B fighter jets, one of the largest military projects in the history of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. The two aircraft carriers, the JS Izumo and the JS Kaga, are the largest warships of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the largest built in Japan since World War II.
The renovation of the Izumo-class aircraft carrier was carried out in two stages. The first stage was to upgrade the flight deck to accommodate the take-off and landing of the F-35B. This included applying heat-resistant paint to the flight deck, installing additional pilot and signal lights, setting up heat-resistant deck points for vertical landings, and changing the shape of the bow from trapezoidal to square to increase the area of the flight deck. The second phase is to retrofit the interior of the ship to increase the maintenance and storage space of the F-35B, as well as to install the associated communication and navigation systems.
Currently, JS Izumo has completed the first phase of retrofit work and received its first F-35B in October 2021. It has also begun take-off and landing tests of the F-35B, conducting joint training with the F-35B of the US Marine Corps. JS Izumo expects to begin the second phase of renovation work in FY2024 and complete the entire renovation project by the end of FY2026.
JS Kaga, on the other hand, started the first phase of the renovation in March 2022 and completed the renovation in December 2023. It has also begun sea trials in preparation for take-off and landing tests of the F-35B. The second phase of the JS Kaga renovation is expected to begin by the end of FY2026 and be completed by the end of FY2027.
The modified Izumo-class aircraft carrier will be able to carry up to 12 F-35Bs, as well as some maritime combat *** such as the SH-60K and MCH-101. They will become the flagship of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, enhancing Japan's maritime defense capabilities, especially in sensitive areas such as the Diaoyu Islands and the South China Sea. They will also conduct more joint exercises and missions with the United States and other allies to enhance Japan's regional and international influence.
In order to equip the F-35B, the Japanese Ministry of Defense has already requested funding for the purchase of seven F-35Bs in the budget for fiscal year 2024 and plans to purchase a total of 42 F-35Bs in the future, as well as 105 F-35As. The F-35Bs will be deployed at the Nitawara base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, as well as on the modified Izumo-class aircraft carriers. The Japanese Ministry of Defense believes that the F-35B is an advanced and flexible fighter that is capable of performing a variety of missions in a variety of environments and situations, and is an important piece of equipment for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.
The light aircraft carrier renovation work of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force is a major initiative of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and part of Japan's military strategy. It demonstrates Japan's commitment to maintaining peace and stability, as well as its close cooperation with the United States and other allies. The 4th Escort Force of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force tweeted, "We are looking forward to seeing the revamped Kaga, which will be our pride and strength!" ”