Japan unveils partially upgraded aircraft carrier JS Kaga. It will be base for F-35Bs

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is working on converting JS Kaga, a helicopter carrier, into an aircraft carrier and the first of the two-stage modification was completed last month. The aircraft carrier is expected to operate the Lockheed Martin F-35B fighter aircraft.

The crucial modification includes changes in the deck's shape from a trapezoid to a rectangle and applying heat-resistant coating so that it can withstand the high temperatures from the jet engines. It aims to ensure the safe takeoff and landing of fighter aircraft.

Captain Ichiro Kokubu, who is the Kaga's commander, highlighted the significance of the transformation Kaga is undergoing. As quoted by the EurAsian Times, Kokubu said: "It is the first time for the MSDF to undertake such big (modification) work."

Japanese defence ministry is reportedly also planning to convert JS Kaga's sister ship 'Izumo' into an aircraft carrier. However, a report by Navy Recognition mentioned that neither JS Izumo nor JS Kaga will permanently carry squadrons of F-35Bs. The government has clarified to ensure that both of them don't qualify as "attack-type aircraft carriers".

As quoted by the Naval News, Admiral Ryo Sakai, Chief of staff of the JMSDF, said: "We had carried out the first special modification work on the destroyer Kaga in conjunction with a regular inspection for about two years starting at the end of fiscal year 2021, and the modification was completed as planned on March 29 of this year."

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"The destroyer Kaga is scheduled to undergo various tests (such as sea trials) during this fiscal year after the first modification, and the results of those tests will be reflected in the second special modification of Izumo, which will begin this fiscal year," Sakai said.

"The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force will continue to steadily advance the necessary modifications to acquire the operational capability of the F-35B on Izumo-class destroyers," the top officer of the JMSDF added as quoted.

Reports have mentioned that the completion of the first phase, which started in March 2022, was finalised on March 29, 2024.

(With inputs from agencies)