Aircraft
Modified Japanese Vessel Hosts First F-35B Operations
Two U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35Bs have successfully undertaken the first operations by the aircraft from a Japanese naval vessel.
The aircraft assigned to the commander of VMFA-242 begins its short takeoff roll as it launches from Izumo. (Photo: U.S. Navy)
The aircraft assigned to the commander of VMFA-242 begins its short takeoff roll as it launches from Izumo. (Photo: U.S. Navy)

In early October two U.S. Marine Corps Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters performed the type’s first recoveries and launches from JS Izumo, one of two Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) helicopter carriers to be modified to cater for F-35 operations in advance of the arrival of Japan’s own F-35Bs. In so doing, they became the first fixed-wing aircraft to operate from a Japanese vessel since the days of the Imperial Japanese Navy.