Japan’s Converted F-35B Carrier Leaves Dock Sporting New Bow
New pictures show the heavily modified Japanese bug Izumo Class JS Kaga (DDH-184) “Helicopter-carrying destroyer” as the ship recently left dock. Kaga is currently being converted into an F-35B Joint Strike Fighter carrier for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
Photos of the ship, which departed from its dock in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, and was escorted by various tugboats, began circulating the Internet around April 19 naval newsthe first set of changes Kaga (originally planned for March) involved changing the shape of the ship’s bow section and applying a heat-resistant coating to the deck. The next set of modifications that will include realignment and structural reinforcement Kagas hull, are expected to be completed by March 2024.
Overall, you work on turning Kaga into an F-35B carrier is expected to last until early 2027, USNI News Conditions. JS Kaga was originally launched in 2015 and became operational in 2017.
The images above, along with those taken in early April this year and late 2022, show that the ship’s bow has radically changed. Due to its optimization for the STOL-capable F-35B (Short Takeoff and Landing), it appears to be significantly wider. In addition, the Phalanx 20mm Close-in Weapons System (CIWS) previously seen at the front of the ship has also been removed, which will likely help accommodate launching F-35Bs and free up more deck space for flight operations. Earlier images also show what appears to be white tent-like structures on the ship’s deck, associated with other ongoing modifications.
Back in 2018, the Japanese government decided to change their two Izumo Class airlines so they can operate F-35Bs. As The War Zone As previously argued, these ambitions have long been entertained, despite public statements to the contrary by Japanese officials.
The conversion work for both ships is divided into two phases. Accordingly naval newsworking on the first phase of modifications for Kaga included changing the shape of the bow section and applying a heat resistant coating to the flight deck. This work should be completed by March 2023 – how much of the heat-resistant coating has been applied is difficult to say at this time. From there, the realignment of the ship’s hull begins, which should be completed by March 2024. All work required for the transition Kaga on its full STOVL capability is scheduled to be completed by 2027.
JS Kaga Arrived at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta, Indonesia on September 18, 2018. Note the bow design before the conversion. Photo by Andrew Lotulung/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The first in its class JS Izumo, on the other hand, already completed the first phase of modifications in 2021. So far, the ship, which entered service in 2015, received a heat-resistant flight deck to cope with the F-35B exhaust markings, in addition to changes to the lighting and deck. The second phase of conversion, which is scheduled to begin in March 2025, remains to be seen Izumo reconfigured with an angular flight deck now carried by Kaga. modifications Izumo should also be completed by 2027. Raytheon recently announced that it would deliver the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) to Izumo – Provide guidance in all weather and surface conditions for F-35B aircraft with JPALS integrated.
Members of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Blue Impulse fly over the Japanese escort ship JS Izumo during the “International Fleet Review” held by Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force with about 12 other countries in Sagami Bay off Kanagawa Prefecture on November 6, 2022. Photo by STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Images
As The War Zone reported at the time Izumo has already conducted proof-of-concept tests with US Marine Corps F-35B jets. During these trials, which took place in late 2021, USMC F-35Bs performed very short takeoffs due to the ship’s unmodified flight deck.
As the USMC F-35B tests suggest, modifications to the Izumo Ships of the class are being built, which could also improve interoperability with Japan’s allies using F-35B aircraft. This not only includes the US, but potentially extends to Singapore as well. Like Japan, South Korea had previously planned a conversion Docdo Class amphibious assault ship – classified as Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) – in F-35B carrier. However, recent funding cuts in favor of submarine procurement have thrown those plans into doubt, as has that country’s pledge to procure F-35Bs.
In addition, Tokyo has also decided to adapt Izumo Ships of the class due to its future commitment to the F-35B. According to Lockheed Martin, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force or JASDF has an established record program of 147 F-35 aircraft – consisting of 105 F-35A Joint Strike Fighters and up to 42 F-35B models. The JASDF F-35Bs that Japan has yet to receive will equip them Izumo class ships.
Perhaps more than anything else, the conversion of these ships into true carriers is symbolic of Japan’s shift from a purely defensive military stance to one that involves power projection and all the geopolitical shifts that accompany it.