Japanese aircraft carrier gets JPALS landing support system
A USMC F-35B lands on JS Izumo. (Photo: US DoD)
JS Izumo will be the first Japanese ship to deploy the JPALS system in 2024.
In December, the USN, in partnership with Japan, awarded an $8.6 million FMS to Raytheon to provide a Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) unit.
PMA-213 JPALS deputy programme manager (DPM) Cdr Charles Steele said: ‘The urgency with which this contract was completed is a testament to our commitment to closely collaborate with our JMSDF partners, which is critical to the 2022 National Defense Strategy call to bolster robust deterrence in the INDO-PACOM [Indo-Pacific Command].’
JPALS is a three-component system comprising a deck element located on a ship, a military GPS constellation and hardware on board the aircraft itself. The F-35 is fitted with JPALS by default.
Related Articles
USMC F-35Bs fly from Japan’s JS Izumo
The system communicates data from the ship, including its range and six degrees of freedom and data from the aircraft and satellite to help guide landings onto a specific spot with a degree of accuracy of around 20cm.
JPALS will help Japanese pilots land their F-35Bs on the Izumo-class ships, which are being converted to operate the short take-off vertical landing fighter.
Under the contract, JPALS will be deployed on JS Izumo in 2024. The Japanese carrier will join US, UK and Italian ships in fielding the system.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles]()
The Netherlands cleared to purchase $2.2 billion in Tomahawk missiles
The approved purchase is for Tomahawk Block IV and Block V missiles, control systems, telemetry missiles and communication and broadcast systems.
-
![The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea]()
The Philippines strengthens maritime defences amid rising tensions in South China Sea
The Philippine Navy is fast-tracking its maritime modernisation with new warships, unmanned platforms, and international shipbuilding partnerships to bolster its regional deterrence posture.
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
