Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Izumo-class helicopter destroyer JS Kaga (DDH 184) transits the South China Sea, during operations with U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in 2021. (U.S. Navy photo by Haydn N. Smith)
Japan’s military is making moves that will put it in the big leagues of naval aviation. Later this year, the Izumo-class carrier Kaga will head to the waters off California for F-35B Lightning II tests, a crucial step in Japan’s plan to fully integrate these advanced fighters into its fleet. The trials, set for October through November, mark a milestone for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as it increases spending and transforms two former helicopter destroyers —Kaga and its sister ship Izumo—into F-35B-capable carriers.
The conversion is part of a broader modernization strategy, reflecting Japan’s growing emphasis on defense capabilities. The JMSDF has been busy reworking the ships’ flight decks, and now Kaga is set for its big test. The trials are expected to inform the final tweaks needed to complete the ships’ transformation by 2026.
JMSDF has also been working with other carrier nations, including Italy and the United Kingdom, to learn best practices for operating the F-35 at sea.
Meanwhile, geopolitics remain tense in the Pacific. According to USNI news , U.S. Indo-Pacific Commander Adm. Samuel Paparo had a video call with China’s PLA Southern Theater Commander Gen. Wu Yanan. It’s the first contact between the two since China froze military communications in 2022. This conversation, part of a diplomatic thaw after talks between President Biden and President Xi, signals an attempt to lower the temperature in a region where missteps could lead to conflict. Additionally, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin held a conference call with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun in April, which was followed by an in-person meeting at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.
Join the 110,322 members that receive our newsletter.
Have a news tip? Let us know.
NEW DELHI, Oct 10 (Reuters) – India approved on Wednesday plans to construct two of a new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines, two defence officials said, in a project estimated to cost...
By Bruce Kimbrell (Policy Op-Ed) Inspired by his vision for a “New, Bold Maritime Statecraft,” Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) Carlos Del Toro spent the last year offering a master class on...
by John Konrad (gCaptain) Picture this: A hulking warship bobbing in the Pacific, its missile silos as empty as a politician’s promises. Until last week, that ship would’ve been limping back to port, tail...
Access exclusive insights, engage in vibrant discussions, and gain perspectives from our CEO.
Sign Up
Maritime and offshore news trusted by our 110,322 members delivered daily straight to your inbox.
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe.
Sign Up
Join The Club
