US Ally Receives F-35 Boost for Future China Fight
The first fighter jet intended for deployment aboard Japanese aircraft carriers has reportedly completed its maiden flight, as the United States ally strengthens its defenses against China.
Lockheed Martin, the American defense contractor that manufactures the stealthy F-35B jets, told Newsweek that it is focused on supporting the "successful delivery" of the jets to Japan.
Newsweek has emailed both the Japanese and Chinese defense ministries for comment.
Under a U.S. containment strategy, Japan, along with Taiwan and the Philippines, forms part of the First Island Chain aimed at restricting China's access to the Pacific Ocean, where the Chinese military has been actively operating in the airspace and waters surrounding Japan.
The Japanese navy is converting the Izumo-class helicopter carriers, JS Izumo and JS Kaga, into the country's first aircraft carriers since World War II. Their intended jets, the F-35B, are capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings from ships without full-length runways.
The modification of the two warships and the introduction of the F-35B aircraft are part of Japan's efforts to bolster the defense of its southwestern islands, which are close to China and have limited air bases capable of supporting conventional fighter jet takeoffs and landings.
Tori Mae Fontana, an aviation enthusiast based in Texas, wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that the first Japanese F-35B jet was spotted flying out of Air Force Plant 4 in Fort Worth-where Lockheed Martin produces all the three variants of the F-35-on Monday.
The test flight of the aircraft, which bears the Japanese roundel on its wing, lasted an hour, according to the specialist outlet The Aviationist. The first group of Japanese F-35B jets is expected to be delivered in Japan's Fiscal Year 2025, which begins on April 1, Tokyo said.
"Lockheed Martin is committed to delivering on our promises to our customers," a company spokesperson told Newsweek, adding that the Japan Air Self-Defense Force has a program of record for a total of 147 F-35 aircraft-comprising 105 A models and up to 42 B models.
Unlike the B model, the F-35A is designed to operate from conventional runways. The third variant in the F-35 family, the C model, is capable of operating from aircraft carriers. The Japanese air force has deployed the A model, stationing the fleet at two bases in the country.
The F-35B jets are scheduled to be deployed aboard the Izumo and the Kaga in 2027 and 2028, respectively, according to a Lockheed Martin fact sheet. The Izumo began the second stage of modification in December 2024, while the Kaga is set to begin its upgrades next year.
Meanwhile, U.S. forces stationed in Japan operate all variants of the F-35 aircraft. The Air Force has sent its F-35A jets to Kadena Air Base, while the F-35B and F-35C jets, operated by the Marine Corps and the Navy, respectively, are deployed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni.
Lockheed Martin said: "The F-35 Lightning II is designed and built to counter the most advanced threats-making it a perfect fit for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF)."
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force said: "Japan is working to improve its capabilities in the maritime and air domains by steadily upgrading the [Izumo-class helicopter carriers] in order to acquire the ability to operate [short takeoff and vertical landing] aircraft."
It remains to be seen whether Japan will place additional orders for the F-35A or F-35B aircraft from the U.S., as Washington continues to urge its allies to boost defense spending.
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