USMC F-35Bs fly from Japan’s JS Izumo
A USMC F-35B conducts a vertical landing aboard JS Izumo off the coast of Japan. (Photo: USMC)
The F-35s are the first fixed-wing fighter jets to fly from a Japanese carrier since World War II.
On 3 October, a pair of USMC F-35B fighter jets successfully conducted the first-ever take-offs and landings of the aircraft on the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Izumo.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship is undergoing modifications to enable F-35B operations.
The USMC jets operated from the ship at the request of Japan.
JMSDF Escort Flotilla One commander RAdm Shukaku Komuta said: ‘This trial has proved that the JS Izumo has the capability to support take-offs and landings of STOVL aircraft at sea, which will allow us to provide an additional option for air defence in the Pacific Ocean
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain]()
Germany could secure greater influence through sixth-generation fighter partnership with Sweden and Spain
Germany is assessing potential pathways for a future sixth-generation fighter capability, including discussions with GCAP partners and Sweden.
-
![Quantum Systems details 480km/h Ukrainian interceptor as production scales up]()
Quantum Systems details 480km/h Ukrainian interceptor as production scales up
Quantum Systems’s Ukraine-made interceptor SPYS is thought to cost approximately 10 times less than Russia's jet-powered uncrewed aerial systems and is being produced at scale.
-
![UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs]()
UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
-
![Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape]()
Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape
Northrop Grumman, Airbus and Anduril are positioning their uncrewed aerial vehicles for future collaborative combat aircraft contracts in a market that is forecast to exceed $36 billion.
-
![UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades]()
UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades
Airbus is developing new capabilities for its A400M transport aircraft as European countries consider future airlift requirements and the UK plans to deploy the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
