Izumo modifications pave the way for F-35 operations
USS Dewey transits the South China Sea with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship JS Izumo. (Photo: US Navy)
Changes to the flight deck on the helicopter carrier JS Izumo should allow Japan to project power more effectively over its dispersed territories.
Images have emerged on social media of changes to the flight deck of the helicopter carrier JS Izumo, as the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ship is modified to operate the Lockheed Martin F-35B.
Pictures of the flight deck reveal new deck markings in preparation for the vessel's future role operating F-35B fighters.
Izumo is set to have its flight deck heat-treated to withstand the strain of short take-off and vertical landing flights, and its close-in weapons system mounts relocated away from the bow.
More significant works are due to be undertaken in FY2025 to restructure the bow into a
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts]()
Kongsberg contracted for Dutch and Belgian frigate propellers and drive shafts
In July 2023, Damen and Thales signed contracts to design, build and deliver four new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates for Belgium and the Netherlands.
-
![Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover]()
Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
