Japan has announced it has completed the first phase of modifying one of its helicopter carriers for F-35 operations. The Izumo-class destroyer Kaga’s revamped flight deck will be able to support F-35B fighter jet take-offs and landings.

Japan carrier conversion
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) showcased the converted destroyer to the media in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, on Monday. With its enhanced flight deck, Kaga will eventually be able to support up to 14 Lockheed F-35B fighter jets, which have Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability.

At around 27,000 tonnes, the ship is far lighter than a US aircraft carrier but will nonetheless significantly enhance Japan’s regional naval capacities. Japan has not had any aircraft carriers in its fleet since the Second World War but will now have two vessels to support its incoming 42 F-35B jets.

The first special modification work on the destroyer ”KAGA” was completed as planned on March 29.
The JMSDF will continue to systematically carry out the necessary modifications to the “IZUMO” class destroyer in order to acquire the operational capability of the F-35B. pic.twitter.com/JTaLkjRWu5

— Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (@jmsdf_pao_eng) April 6, 2024

Having been earmarked for conversion in 2018, the first phase took around two years to complete, with the modification work starting in March 2022. The next phase of refits – which will include changes to crew areas and other internal spaces – is scheduled to start in March 2027 and is expected to take a similar amount of time.

 
Square flight deck, heat-resistant coating
Several key upgrades were completed in the first phase. Firstly, the destroyer’s former trapezoid deck was changed to a rectangular shape to better accommodate fighter jet take-offs and landings. Its flight deck has also been coated in a heat-resistant material to endure the high temperatures emitted by the jet’s engines, alongside other modifications like strengthening the flight deck and installing guidance lights.

Kaga is one of two ships Japan will utilize as small aircraft carriers, along with the Izumo, a former amphibious assault vessel. Japan has already conducted F-35 takeoff and landing tests using the Izumo, starting in October 2021 when an F-35B operated by the US Marine Corps landed on the Izumo, which had completed its first phase of modifications a few months earlier. The Izumo is scheduled to begin its second phase of refurbishment later this year, which will include reshaping its flight deck.

F-35 plans

In its defense budget revealed in August 2023, Japan revealed its plans to acquire 42 F-35Bs. The first six of these are expected to arrive in late 2024 and will be stationed at Nyutabaru Air Base on Kyushu Island. Interestingly, aircraft carriers are banned in Japan’s Constitution. However, it plans to circumvent this by ensuring the planes are only periodically stationed on the ships.