Two Marine Corps F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters made history on October 3rd as they took off and landed on Japan’s largest warship, the JS Izumo (DDH-183). This event marked the first time that fixed-wing aircraft have operated from a Japanese warship since World War II.

Since November 2018, the Japanese government has unveiled plans to upgrade two Izumo-class helicopter destroyers, transforming them into mini-carriers capable of carrying more than 12 F-35 stealth fighters.

Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya expressed, “Ever since we got these ships, the Izumo-class multipurpose destroyers built in 2015, we’ve wanted to use them for many purposes.”

However, it’s worth noting that the Izumo-class warships are relatively small for fixed-wing aircraft operations. Japan’s lack of experience in operating fixed-wing aircraft on board ships since World War II poses challenges, requiring training for pilots, deck crews, and maintenance crews to handle the unique demands of aircraft carriers.

Furthermore, Japan’s post-World War II constitution prohibits the nation from engaging in aggressive military activities. Japanese leaders have long interpreted this prohibition as forbidding the Japanese Navy from owning an aircraft carrier.

To circumvent this ban, the Japanese Navy acquired what it terms a “helicopter destroyer,” a surface ship equipped with an aircraft hangar and a spacious deck for helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to take off and land.

In preparation for the deployment of F-35B aircraft on board the Izumo, Japan has modified the ship to accommodate these advanced fighters. The F-35B is capable of short take-offs and vertical landings, making it suitable for deployment on a Japanese warship. The October 3rd deployment is believed to be the first time a fixed-wing fighter has operated on a Japanese warship since World War II.

The modifications to the Izumo and its sister ship, the Kaga, are part of a larger plan by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) to acquire 42 F-35Bs to operate from these two ships. The first JSDF F-35Bs are scheduled to arrive in FY 2023, and Marine F-35s will continue to operate from these vessels as Japan adapts to using these advanced aircraft. Japan has already conducted engagements and exchanges related to F-35B operations with the U.K. Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) during its visit to Japan in early September.

The Izumo, measuring 248 meters in length, 38 meters in width, and displacing 27,000 tons at full load, has a top speed of over 30 knots and can carry up to 28 aircraft.

Currently stationed at the Iwakuni port in Yamaguchi Prefecture, the Izumo benefits from proximity to an airfield housing the aviation units of the U.S. Marines and U.S. Navy squadrons. The recent deck upgrade at the Isogo port in Yokohama, which includes heat protection, enables F-35Bs to perform vertical landings on board.

The comprehensive renovation of the Izumo class is anticipated to conclude by 2026, with the Kaga undergoing similar modifications.

Japan’s plan to acquire 157 F-35 aircraft, including 42 F-35Bs, is underway, with contracts signed for the initial eight, four of which will be delivered in fiscal 2024. The budget proposal for fiscal 2022 includes funding for the remaining four.

In light of these developments, Japan’s Izumo ship, following its improvements, can now be viewed as a small aircraft carrier rather than a “helicopter destroyer” as it was previously classified. This transformation marks a significant step in Japan’s military capabilities and its ability to project power in the region.