US fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet lands on Japanese warship for the first time during sea trials

Asia-Pacific, News, US October 25, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

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A U.S. Navy F-35 Lightning II fifth-generation stealth fighter jet conducted a successful landing on Japan’s Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) for the first time during sea trials with the Japanese warship in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

A test pilot flew a specially instrumented F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the stealth fighter jet and landed aboard Japan’s KS Kaga (DDH-184) destroyer off the southern coast of California to initiate the developmental testing. These trials are also aimed at enhancing interoperability among allied forces.

Japanese warship JS Kaga set sail from its homeport at Kure Naval Base in Japan in early September and would take part in the sea trials in the Pacific Ocean for approximately three weeks.

The sea trials are a key step in enhancing interoperability between the U.S. and Japan, particularly as Japan plans to acquire 42 F-35Bs by 2025. These developments reflect Japan’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its naval aviation capabilities and enhance cooperation with the United States amid growing regional tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

During the sea trials, the Allies also tested the ship’s recent modifications to support fixed-wing aircraft operations. Upgrades to the Kaga include applying heat-resistant material to the flight deck to withstand the F-35B’s vectored-thrust engines, adding lights for nighttime operations, and reshaping the flight deck’s bow from a trapezoidal to a rectangular form.

According to the U.S. Navy statement, the F-35 aircraft taking part in the trials is detached from “Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Station Patuxent River (NAS Pax River), Maryland. It joins a test team from the F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF), who embarked on the ship in San Diego.”

*^{An F-35B Lightning II lands aboard JS Kaga (DDH-184) off the southern coast of California to begin developmental testing. (Image Credit: Darin Russell/U.S. Navy)}*

Alongside F-35 test pilots, the Pax ITF team consists of aircraft maintainers, flight test engineers, flight test control engineers, flight deck personnel, logisticians, and other specialists, with support from the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Commanding officer of JS Kaga ship, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Capt. Shusaku Takeuchi said, “This test is essential for strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities and is of utmost importance. We will do our best to achieve good test results together with the ITF.”

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Captain Takeuchi further added, “This test does not merely enhance the capabilities of the Maritime Self-Defense Force. It also improves the interoperability between Japan and the U.S., strengthening the deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan-U.S. alliance, thereby contributing to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.”

F-35 Pax River Integrated Test Force team leader, Seth Dion praised the latest achievement and said, “We are proud to be part of this joint effort to test the compatibility of F-35B aboard JS Kaga.”

Dion further highlighted, “Our team has prepared meticulously for this mission, and we are committed to working closely with our allies to achieve our shared goals and strengthen our partnership.”