Japan’s JS Kaga Completes Sea Trials, Marks Return to Carrier Operations
The JS Kaga, Japan’s newly refitted aircraft carrier, has completed sea trials off the California coast, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval capabilities. Originally designed as an Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer, the vessel has been modified to carry F-35B stealth fighters, signaling Japan’s return to carrier operations for the first time since World War II.
This transformation is part of Japan’s broader strategy to bolster its maritime forces in response to growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region. The Kaga, measuring over 800 feet and weighing 24,000 tons, is smaller than modern aircraft carriers but represents a substantial upgrade to Japan’s naval arsenal.
The decision to refit the Kaga was announced in 2018 by then-Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with the vessel officially designated as a “multi-purpose destroyer” to align with Japan’s pacifist constitution. Unlike traditional aircraft carriers, the Kaga is not intended for offensive deployments.
On October 21, the Kaga achieved a crucial milestone when an F-35B successfully landed on its flight deck. This event, part of a three-week testing period involving Japanese, US, and UK defense forces, included night flights and various operational conditions to gather essential data.
The F-35B Lightning II, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, features advanced stealth capabilities and a Rolls-Royce lift fan for vertical take-off and landing. Despite recent financial challenges, Lockheed Martin has raised its profit forecast 2024, underscoring the aircraft’s importance in global defense strategies.
The sea trials, which involved US and UK military personnel and major defense contractors, reinforced strong US-Japan ties and their shared commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific. This joint operation is seen as a response to China’s military buildup and recent aggressive actions in the region, including incursions into Japanese waters and airspace.
As tensions continue to rise in the Indo-Pacific, the JS Kaga’s successful trials represent a significant step in Japan’s efforts to enhance its defensive capabilities and strengthen its alliance with key international partners.
