Latest news with #JSKaga
Daily Record
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
HMS Prince of Wales leads world's biggest naval fleet after Russia's huge drills
UK's Carrier Strike Group, which includes the HMS Prince of Wales, was joined by two US carriers including the US Nimitz-class supercarrier and Japan's JS Kaga carrier A UK aircraft carrier has teamed up with vessels from Japan and the United States to form one of the world's most formidable naval fleets, in response to extensive naval exercises conducted by Russia. This display of military strength took place in the Northern Philippine Sea as part of Operation Highmast, spearheaded by the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The eight-month worldwide deployment is designed to enable the Royal Navy to integrate with allied systems and conduct drills across the Indo-Pacific and Mediterranean regions. Operation Highmast's recent venture comes on the heels of Russia's July Storm exercises, which saw the participation of over 150 ships and 15,000 personnel from various fleets across the globe's seas and oceans. Russian President Vladimir Putin sanctioned July Storm, supervised by Admiral Alexander Moiseyev, to assess the readiness of the country's navy. The exercises included practising deployment to potential combat zones, anti-submarine warfare, safeguarding bases and shipping routes, and thwarting attacks from enemy drones and aircraft, reports the Express. The Queen Elizabeth-class carrier HMS Prince of Wales was accompanied by two US carriers, including the US Nimitz-class supercarrier and Japan's JS Kaga carrier, potentially creating the world's most powerful current operational naval force. Each carrier vessel was equipped with fighter jets, helicopters and supporting craft, while dozens of combat aircraft soared above the group, which also featured a US Wasp/America-class amphibious assault ship. The Carrier Strike Group (CSG) is set to engage in joint exercises with the US Navy, Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and the Australian Defence Force during Operation Highmast. A series of port visits and manoeuvres are planned to evaluate the coalition's preparedness for a variety of combat situations, as well as to conduct integrated air operations with 617 Squadron's F-35B Lightning II jets and anti-submarine warfare exercises. "The significance of this mission and its implications for global security are paramount," declared the Royal Air Force, highlighting the importance of the operation scheduled for June. "This operation is critical for ensuring a secure future for all NATO members and like-minded global allies. Through collaboration and innovation, the UK and its partners are poised to address future challenges with confidence and resilience." Just last week, HMS Prince of Wales stocked up on provisions, taking on food, engineering parts, and ammunition for the first time since it left the UK in April. In military terms, known as Replenishment at Sea (RAS), the flagship carrier was "resupplied with fuel by Royal Fleet Auxiliary tanker RFA Tidespring on her portside and with munitions and provisions by the US Navy's USNS Wally Schirra on the starboard," as reported by the Royal Navy. As the CSG advances towards Japan, it will navigate through some of the world's most hotly contested waters, showcasing a high-profile commitment to freedom of navigation. Images shared by the allied nation's Maritime Self-Defense Force depict the carriers and guards of the three nations in formation, with allied aircraft and helicopters populating their decks.
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- General
- Yahoo
3 aircraft carriers, 6 navies and a large number of fighter jets are training in the Pacific
Ships from several allied nations sailed together through the North Philippine Sea this weekend in a large-scale show of naval force, led by three aircraft carriers from three separate nations. The United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group shared an image on X of the three carriers, plus the U.S. Navy's amphibious assault ship USS America, sailing side by side in the North Philippine Sea on Aug. 10, with a large aerial force flying overhead. It's a strong naval presence, with the HMS Prince of Wales, the American Nimitz-class USS George Washington and Japan's JS Kaga among them. 'Allies and partners sailing as one,' the post said. According to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, the exercise is meant to train crews on cross-deck operations and anti-submarine warfare. The nine-day operation will wrap up on Aug. 12. More than a dozen ships are taking part in the exercise. Leading the pack are the three carriers as well as the amphibious assault ship, which also has its own fighter jets and aircraft on board. Sailing behind the carriers and the assault ship are vessels from the Norwegian, Spanish and Australia navies. The U.S. Navy also has the Ticonderoga-class cruiser the USS Robert Smalls and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Shoup there. Above them in the skies there are more than a dozen aircraft from the ships, including a large number of fighter jets. Some of the fighters are from Carrier Air Wing 5, operating out of the USS George Washington. The American ships present carry both the Navy's F-35Cs and the Marine Corps' F-35Bs. Top Stories This Week News Army infantry training unit reverses 'bay tossing' ban Army infantry training unit reverses 'bay tossing' ban By Jeff Schogol News Airman arrested for death that prompted Air Force-wide safety review of Sig M18 Airman arrested for death that prompted Air Force-wide safety review of Sig M18 By Jeff Schogol News Soldiers who stopped Fort Stewart gunman recognized as 'the best among us in the Army' Soldiers who stopped Fort Stewart gunman recognized as 'the best among us in the Army' By Patty Nieberg The HMS Prince of Wales is currently underway in the Royal Navy's Operation Highmast. As part of multilateral drills, F-35Bs operated by the British forces and U.S. Marine Corps both landed on the JS Kaga this past week. As The Aviationist noted, this was the first time British on the ship, although American ones had done so before. Although the Kaga is designated as a helicopter carrier, it is being modified to allow fighter jets to land on and take off from it. The USS George Washington, as well as the rest of Carrier Strike Group 5, are operating in the Indo-Pacific region this summer. They earlier took part in the Talisman Sabre exercise with the Australian military. Last month a sailor onboard the carrier went missing, prompted two days of extensive search and rescue efforts before he was declared dead. Earlier this year the JS Kaga and another American carrier, the Nimitz-class USS Carl Vinson, conducted a similar multilateral operation in the Philippine Sea alongside ships from the French navy. The U.S. Navy described that coordination, part of the Exercise Pacific Steller 2025, as an effort to 'to maintain an open and inclusive Indo-Pacific, free of all forms of coercion.' Solve the daily Crossword
Newsweek
29-07-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
US Ally Upgrades Aircraft Carrier Fleet To Counter China Threat
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. 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.
The Diplomat
11-07-2025
- Politics
- The Diplomat
UK Aircraft Carrier HMS Prince of Wales to Make First Port Call in Japan
The HMS Prince of Wales may conduct 'cross-deck drills' with JS Kaga using aircraft carrier-based F-35Bs. If realized, it would send a strong message to China F-35 test pilot Marine Maj. Paul Gucwa from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23), Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), flies an F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft to the U.K. HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier in the Western Atlantic Oct. 11, 2023. The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced that the United Kingdom's carrier strike group, led by the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, will make its first port call in Japan from August to September this year. The deployment of a British aircraft carrier strike group to Japan will be the second time following the port call by HMS Queen Elizabeth and the escort vessels in September 2021, according to the ministry. Tokyo welcomes the port call as a demonstration of the U.K.'s commitment to regional peace and stability amid an increasingly severe and uncertain security environment surrounding Japan, the Japanese defense ministry said in a press release on June 25. The port call 'will also contribute to further strengthening Japan's security and Japan-U.K. security and defense cooperation,' it added. One area of interest during the upcoming port call is whether F-35B stealth fighter jets carried by the Prince of Wales will conduct 'cross-deck drills' in which they land and take off from the deck of JS Kaga (DDH 184), the second Izumo-class helicopter carrier (locally classified as 'helicopter destroyer') of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). So far, no British F-35B has ever landed or taken off from JS Izumo or JS Kaga before. If a British F-35B were to do so from the deck of the JS Kaga, it would send a strong message to the world, especially an assertive China, that Japan's relationship with the U.K., which is widely regarded as a 'quasi-ally,' is truly being strengthened. The Diplomat asked Admiral Saito Akira, chief of staff of the JMSDF, about this point at his regular press conference on July 8. Japan's top naval officer responded: 'We are currently considering the details of what kind of joint training we should conduct with the Royal Navy. As Takahashi-san said, if the F-35B is able to cross-deck drills with the Kaga, it will be an extremely powerful message, and I think it will be an opportunity for us to absorb know-how, including the operation of the F-35, from the Royal Navy, which has been operating aircraft carriers for many years. We are currently making adjustments, including this menu, but have not yet reached a final decision.' Saito did not deny the possibility of 'cross-deck drills.' Meanwhile, Commodore James Blackmore, commander of United Kingdom carrier strike group, expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation with the JSDF, saying that they will have personnel from the JMSDF and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force board the aircraft carrier and train together, according to an article published by the Yomiuri Shimbun on April 23. Blackmore spoke on April 16, before the HMS Prince of Wales departed Portsmouth in the south of England, the Japanese newspaper said. The U.K. commander also expressed his hope for the realization of joint training with the JS Kaga, which is being upgraded as a light aircraft carrier in preparation for the deployment of the F-35B, the newspaper also said. When the HMS Queen Elizabeth was dispatched to Japan in September 2021, no joint training of this nature was conducted. The JS Izumo conducted takeoff and landing tests of the U.S. military's F-35B in October 2021. Following that, the JS Kaga also conducted takeoff and landing tests of the U.S. military's F-35B in October 2024. Steady steps are being taken toward converting the two Izumo-class destroyers into light aircraft carriers. Notably, the U.S. F-35B landed aboard JS Kaga for the first time on October 20, 2024, off the southern coast of California and was piloted by Royal Navy Lt. Cmdr. Nick Baker, a test pilot with the F-35 Patuxent River Integrated Test Force (Pax ITF) in the U.S. state of Maryland. The Japanese Ministry of Defense will begin deploying its own F-35Bs to the Nyutabaru Air Base of the JASDF in Miyazaki Prefecture in fiscal year 2025. The plan is to deploy a total of 42 aircraft in the future. Following the JS Kaga, the JS Izumo is currently undergoing major modifications to turn it into a light aircraft carrier at Japan Marine United's (JMU) Isogo Works, a shipyard in Yokohama, south of Tokyo. China is rapidly expanding its maritime presence using aircraft carriers. China's two operational aircraft carriers, Liaonging and Shandong, conducted a total of about 1,120 takeoffs and landings of fighter jets during most recent sailings that have seen the Chinese Navy expand increasingly farther into the Pacific Ocean, a spokesperson at the Joint Staff Office of the Japanese Defense Ministry told The Diplomat on June 24. Specifically, the spokesperson said those Chinese aircraft carriers had conducted the flight operations in the Pacific Ocean near Japan through June 22 after being tracked by the JMSDF from late May.
Newsweek
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
US Allies Plan To Flex Aircraft Carrier Muscles Near China
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The United Kingdom and Japan—both major allies of the United States—are reportedly set to conduct joint naval operations with aircraft carriers in a show of force to China. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and its strike group are scheduled to visit Japan from August to September, Tokyo's defense ministry confirmed to Newsweek, adding that both sides are currently coordinating joint training exercises. Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment via email. An F-35B fighter jet executes a vertical landing on Japan's JS Kaga in the eastern Pacific Ocean on November 2, 2024. An F-35B fighter jet executes a vertical landing on Japan's JS Kaga in the eastern Pacific Ocean on November 2, 2024. U.S. Department of Defense Why It Matters The Prince of Wales began an eight-month mission, Operation Highmast, in April, leading a fleet of warships and carrying up to two dozen F-35B stealth fighter jets for exercises and operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Japan and Australia. In response to China's growing naval threat, Japan is converting two Izumo-class helicopter carriers—JS Izumo and JS Kaga—into aircraft carriers. It has also ordered up to 42 F-35B jets—capable of short takeoffs and vertical landings—to operate from the two warships. The reported joint aircraft carrier operations between the U.K. and Japan follow China's unprecedented dual aircraft carrier deployment in the broader western Pacific in June. What To Know Newspaper The Japan Times reported on Wednesday that British F-35B jets deployed aboard the Prince of Wales could conduct flight operations from the Kaga as part of joint operations between the Royal Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. If confirmed, this would mark the second time the Kaga has conducted flight operations with F-35B jets since last November, when it carried out flight tests off the coast of California. According to the report, the British aircraft carrier is expected to dock at Yokosuka naval base and in Tokyo during its time in Japan. Yokosuka is also home to the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington, which is currently operating in the South China Sea. Following its visit to Singapore in late June, the Prince of Wales was underway in the Java Sea the Royal Navy disclosed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. The aircraft carrier is en route to northern Australia for Exercise Talisman Sabre. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is seen docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24, 2025. The British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales is seen docked at the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in Singapore on June 24, 2025. ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP via Getty Images It remains unclear whether the Prince of Wales will conduct any flight operations with the U.S. amphibious assault ship USS America, which is also capable of operating F-35B jets. As of Friday, the America was underway in the Coral Sea, off Australia's northeast coast. What People Are Saying The Royal Navy said in a press release on June 23: "In each port, the ships [of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group] will promote the Strike Groups overarching mission—demonstrating the U.K.'s commitment to the security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region alongside allies and partners, including celebrating 60 years of Anglo-Singaporean relations, making us secure at home and strong abroad." Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Vice Admiral Yoshihiro Goka, commander of the Fleet Escort Force, said in a press release in November 2024: "We believe that the acquisition of F-35B operational capability for the JS Izumo class destroyers will [enhance] Japanese defense capability and interoperability between Japan and the U.S. and will strengthen the deterrence and response capabilities of the countries as well as ultimately contribute to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region." What Happens Next The deployment of the Prince of Wales to the western Pacific comes as the U.S. has only one aircraft carrier stationed in the region amid efforts to counter China's military presence.
