In a significant advancement for Japan's naval capabilities, a US military F-35B stealth fighter jet successfully landed on the Japanese destroyer Kaga off the coast of San Diego on October 20. This landmark vertical landing is part of Japan's ongoing efforts to convert the Kaga, an Izumo-class destroyer, into a fully operational aircraft carrier. The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) confirmed that the exercise will continue through November 18, aiming to refine the operational integration of the F-35B with the Japanese fleet, as reported by Kyodo News.

The test is a collaborative effort involving the US Navy and Marine Corps, focusing on essential procedures such as takeoff and landing, as well as the storage, taxiing, fueling, and maintenance of the aircraft aboard the Kaga. This initiative marks a crucial step in enhancing Japan's defensive posture and its ability to project power in the region.

Before the experiment, the Kaga underwent substantial renovations, including modifications to its flight deck to withstand the heat generated during aircraft landings. The ship departed from its Kure base in western Japan in September, ready to embark on this critical series of tests.

This latest development follows previous successful tests conducted in 2021, when Japan's Defense Ministry tested F-35B landings on the Izumo destroyer. Both the Izumo and Kaga have been earmarked for conversion into aircraft carriers, a move reflecting Japan's shift towards a more robust maritime defence strategy.

As geopolitical tensions in the Asia-Pacific region continue to rise, Japan's enhanced naval capabilities, including the integration of advanced stealth technology, are becoming increasingly vital. The successful landing of the F-35B not only showcases Japan’s commitment to modernising its defence forces but also underscores the importance of international military cooperation in maintaining regional stability.

The transformation of the Kaga and its operational tests with the F-35B mark a pivotal moment for Japan's military evolution, as the nation seeks to bolster its defensive capabilities in an ever-changing security landscape.