USMC F-35B Aircraft Tested aboard Japan’s Helicopter Carrier JS Izumo

The event marked the first time  since the Imperial Japanese Navy that a fixed wing aircraft took off from a Japanese vessel.

3 OCT, the JMSDF conducted verification of takeoff and landing of the USMC F-35B to JS IZUMO. The JMSDF continues to steadily carry out the necessary modifications to the IZUMO class to acquire the capability to operate the F-35Bs.

JMSDF Statement on Twitter

• 

• 

3 OCT, the #JMSDF conducted verification of takeoff and landing of the USMC F-35B to JS #IZUMO.
The JMSDF continues to steadily carry out the necessary modifications to the IZUMO class to acquire the capability to operate the F-35Bs. pic.twitter.com/0gtPNzrxQC

— Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (@jmsdf_pao_eng) October 5, 2021

Our colleagues form USNI News reported in early September that U.S. Marine F-35B Lighting II Joint Strike Fighters will operate off a Japanese warship later this year, quoting Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger:

“We’re not going to go on deployment but we’re actually going to fly U.S. Marine Corps F-35s off of a Japanese ship,”

Naval News previously reported that the first phase of the modification work to operate F-35B was completed this Summer. The modifications included new deck markings and heat-resistant coatings:

Japan’s Izumo Helicopter Destroyer Modified To Operate F-35B Fighters