Additional Coverage:
- Japan showed off the destroyer it’s turning into an aircraft carrier for F-35 stealth fighters (newsbreak.com)
**Japan Advances Military Capabilities with Modified Aircraft Carriers for F-35 Jets**
In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Japan has completed the first phase of modification on the JS Kaga, transforming the vessel into an aircraft carrier designed to operate advanced F-35 jets. This development marks a pivotal shift in Japan’s military stance, aiming to enhance its Self-Defense Force in the face of rising concerns about Chinese military assertiveness.
The JS Kaga will soon enter sea trials as part of this groundbreaking upgrade, a process that will also inform further enhancements on its sister ship, the JS Izumo. Japan’s ambitious plan includes converting the Izumo into another state-of-the-art aircraft carrier capable of hosting F-35 fighter jets, highlighting the nation’s strategic shift towards expanding its maritime and aerial defense capabilities.
This upgrade effectively aligns the Japanese warships with the capabilities of the U.S Navy’s large-deck amphibious assault ships, underscoring Japan’s commitment to acquiring over 147 F-35s. The mix will include both F-35A and F-35B variants, significantly boosting the operational flexibility and strength of Japan’s military forces.
Japan’s move to advance its Self-Defense Force comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and concerns over China’s expanding military power. The enhancement of its carriers to operate cutting-edge F-35 jets is seen as a critical element in ensuring Japan’s security and maintaining balance in the region. Furthermore, the modification of Japanese vessels to host U.S. jets underlines the deepening military cooperation between Japan and the United States, a partnership that has gained additional importance given the strategic challenges posed by China.
The response from China has been one of caution and criticism. Chinese officials, expressing concerns about Japan’s growing military capabilities and its deepening defense partnerships, including the AUKUS agreement involving Australia, the UK, and the US, have called on Japan to reflect on its historical posture of aggression and instead pursue a path of peaceful development.
As Japan navigates these complex geopolitics and regional dynamics, the upgrade of its warships and the acquisition of F-35 jets signify a new era in Japanese defense strategy, aiming to deter aggression and maintain peace in a rapidly changing global landscape.