US Ally Upgrades Aircraft Carrier Fleet To Counter China Threat
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Japan—a key United States ally—is set to deploy its first stealth fighter jets with the ability to operate from aircraft carriers, amid concerns over China's military presence near the country.
The first batch of F-35B aircraft—capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings from ships without full-length flight decks—has been delivered, according to Japan's Defense Ministry.
When asked to confirm delivery of the aircraft U.S. defense giant Lockheed Martin told Newsweek that questions regarding the delivery and operational status of Japan's F-35B jets are best addressed by Japanese authorities.
Newsweek has also contacted China's defense and foreign ministries for comment via email.
An F-35B fighter jet takes off from the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga during a sea trial in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on October 22, 2024.
An F-35B fighter jet takes off from the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga during a sea trial in the Eastern Pacific Ocean on October 22, 2024.
U.S. Department of Defense
Why It Matters
Japan is currently converting its Izumo-class helicopter carriers, JS Izumo and JS Kaga, into the country's first aircraft carriers since World War II. Both ships are slated to operate F-35B jets, with Japan ordering up to 42 of the Lockheed Martin-made advanced combat aircraft.
The modification of the two warships and the introduction of F-35B aircraft are part of Japan's efforts to bolster the defense of its southwestern islands, which are located near China and whose air bases have a limited ability to support conventional fighter jet operations.
China has been expanding its military presence across the Western Pacific by deploying aircraft and vessels near Japan—particularly around its southwestern islands, including the disputed Senkaku Islands, which are administered by Tokyo but claimed by Beijing.
What To Know
Citing a schedule released on Friday by Japan's Defense Ministry, U.S. newspaper Stars and Stripes reported that four Japanese F-35B jets will arrive at Nyutabaru Air Base on August 7. The base is located on the eastern coast of Kyushu—Japan's southernmost main island.
"Eight aircraft are scheduled to be delivered during fiscal year 2025, and the delivery date for the remaining four aircraft is still being adjusted," Japan's Defense Ministry said. The F-35Bs are scheduled to be deployed aboard the Izumo in 2027 and the Kaga in 2028.
The planned deployment of the jets comes ahead of the scheduled visit of the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales—which operates the same type of aircraft—to Japan between August and September. British jets are reportedly set to operate from the Kaga during the visit.
United States F-35B fighter jets prepare to take off during Exercise Keen Sword 25 at Nyutabaru Air Base in Japan on October 30, 2024.
United States F-35B fighter jets prepare to take off during Exercise Keen Sword 25 at Nyutabaru Air Base in Japan on October 30, 2024.
U.S. Marine Corps/Cpl. Samantha Rodriguez
Japan has also ordered a total 105 F-35A jets—designed to operate from conventional runways. Tokyo has not acquired the third variant in the F-35 family, the C model, which is specifically designed to operate from aircraft carriers.
What People Are Saying
Japan's 2025 defense white paper said: "China has been swiftly increasing its national defense expenditures, thereby extensively and rapidly enhancing its military capability in a qualitative and quantitative manner and intensifying its activities in the East China Sea, including around the Senkaku Islands, and the Pacific."
Lockheed Martin wrote in a fact sheet: "The F-35B is the first-ever supersonic, radar-evading stealth aircraft with short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) capability, giving it the unique capability to operate from a variety of ships, roads and austere bases near frontline combat zones."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen what additional steps Japan will take to enhance the defense posture of its southwestern islands, including the possibility of increasing its order of F-35Bs.
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