Japan confirms delays in the incorporation of the F-35B intended to equip the helicopter carriers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force
Following what was expressed by the Minister of Defense of Japan, the delivery of the first six F-35B Lightning II fighters for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and its helicopter carriers, which was scheduled for March, would be delayed until at least April . The official also mentions that the other deliveries expected after 2025 should not be affected.
The aforementioned F-35B are part of a purchase confirmed in 2019 that includes a total of 42 units to be used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force on the Izumo class helicopter carriers, but for this their decks must be adapted to be able to operate the fifth generation aircraft. It should not be omitted that the acquisition of the first units was brought forward in October 2023 where it was detailed that the first batch would correspond to six units to be delivered in March 2024, a fact that did not occur.
This delay is in principle due to delays on the part of the manufacturer Lockheed Martin, who in July 2024 received the green light from the Pentagon to begin delivering the units that were paused because the development of the Technology Refresh software update had not been completed. 3 of the F-35. Although deliveries have resumed, the upgrade is not scheduled to be completed until 2025 and aircraft delivered will be limited to training duties. However, this will not be a problem for Japan, as its F-35Bs are in the commissioning phase.
Already at the end of May, in addition to Japan, other countries in the Indo-Pacific region such as Australia, South Korea, and Singapore, lwhich have already incorporated successive batches of fifth generation aircraft and have requested the purchase of more units.
On the other hand, regarding helicopter carriers, the JS Izumo (DDH-183) She is currently undergoing her second phase of conversion at the Japan Marine United shipyard in Yokohama, which includes converting her flight deck shape to a rectangular shape. similar to that of the American Wasp and America class amphibious assault ships.
As for the JS Kaga The bow was modified during its first conversion phase, which ended in April 2024. After this, the ship set sail for the west coast of the United States to carry out tests with F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters. During that time, until its return on November 20, the ship also underwent a redesign of the bow, similar to those present on the US Navy’s Type LHD amphibious assault ships, as well as the application of a new paint. on the deck to withstand the heat and thrust of the F-35B engines, and the installation of lights for night operations. The Kaga is planned to carry out a second phase of conversion in fiscal 2026, which is expected to be completed in fiscal 2028.
On the other hand, It has been noted that Japan is not likely to reach initial operational capability for F-35Bs from its aircraft carriers until 2029 or 2030.although the process could be shorter if Japan qualifies its F-35B pilots and aircraft by training and operating on a partner nation’s ship or by seconding pilots to a partner nation’s operational F-35B squadron while it waits. the completion of the conversion of its aircraft carriers.
Finally, it was announced that the specific delivery date is being studied, but the ministry plans to establish a temporary F-35B squadron in Nyutabaru before the end of fiscal year 2024, which ends on March 31, to prepare for delivery. of the planes, he said. The Ministry of Defense was scheduled to deliver the aircraft and deploy them to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) Nyutaru Air Base before the end of fiscal year 2024, but the date has been pushed back to sometime in fiscal year 2025. said Minister Nakatani.
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