NEW DELHI: Japan has marked a significant milestone in its military modernization by transforming the warship Kaga into the nation’s first full aircraft carrier since World War II. The Kaga, previously serving as a helicopter carrier, has undergone upgrades to deploy the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter, heralding a new era in Japan’s defense capabilities amidst increasing regional tensions.
The unveiling of the upgraded Kaga at the Kure naval base in Hiroshima signifies Japan’s efforts to enhance its maritime strength. Robert Dujarric, co-director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University’s Tokyo campus, emphasized that while the Kaga alone may not drastically alter Japan’s military dynamics, the sophisticated aircraft it carries bolsters its operational capabilities. “The broader advantage it will provide is the greater ability to operate and interact with US and other forces in the region, giving Japan some of the same toys as the big boys,” Dujarric noted.
As per a South China Morning Post report, originally launched in 2015 as part of the Izumo class, the largest warships built by Japan since WWII, the Kaga has been refitted at a cost of 115 billion yen (US$758 million) to accommodate Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters. This marks a shift from its initial capacity of carrying up to eight helicopters. The retrofit includes a redesigned bow section and a new heat-resistant deck coating to withstand the F-35B’s engine heat during vertical take-offs and landings.
The operational concept of deploying the Kaga as an aircraft carrier remains under discussion. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Tokyo, pointed out the logistical nuances, given that the F-35Bs, operated by the Air Self-Defence Force, will not be permanently stationed on the Kaga. The carrier’s strategic use, whether for controlling sea areas or supporting amphibious units, is yet to be fully articulated.
Despite its advanced capabilities, analysts remain skeptical about the Kaga’s ability to significantly impact the regional power balance, especially in the face of China’s expanding aircraft carrier fleet. Hinata-Yamaguchi suggested that while the refitted carrier might pose an obstacle to potential territorial ambitions in the South China Sea or the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, it is unlikely to be perceived as a substantial threat by China.
The introduction of the Kaga, along with its sister ship Izumo, into active service underscores Japan’s commitment to reinforcing its maritime defense and enhancing interoperability with allies.
How will F-35 Lightning II enhance Japan’s defense capabilities?
The F-35 Lightning II, especially in its vertical take-off variant deployed on the newly upgraded Kaga aircraft carrier, significantly enhances Japan’s defense capabilities through several key advancements:
Stealth technology: The F-35 is renowned for its stealth capabilities, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. This allows Japan to conduct surveillance and strikes with a reduced risk of detection by adversaries, providing a strategic advantage in maintaining airspace superiority.
Advanced avionics and sensors: Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensor systems, the F-35 can gather and share critical intelligence in real-time. This capability ensures Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have access to comprehensive battlefield awareness, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): The F-35B variant’s VTOL capability enables operations from a variety of platforms, including the Kaga, without the need for traditional runways. This flexibility allows for rapid deployment and repositioning of airpower in response to threats, enhancing Japan’s ability to protect its maritime interests and defend its territory.
Interoperability with allies: The F-35’s integration into Japan’s military furthers interoperability with key allies, notably the United States, who also operate the F-35. This commonality allows for seamless joint operations and strengthens collective defense capabilities in the region.
The unveiling of the upgraded Kaga at the Kure naval base in Hiroshima signifies Japan’s efforts to enhance its maritime strength. Robert Dujarric, co-director of the Institute of Contemporary Asian Studies at Temple University’s Tokyo campus, emphasized that while the Kaga alone may not drastically alter Japan’s military dynamics, the sophisticated aircraft it carries bolsters its operational capabilities. “The broader advantage it will provide is the greater ability to operate and interact with US and other forces in the region, giving Japan some of the same toys as the big boys,” Dujarric noted.
As per a South China Morning Post report, originally launched in 2015 as part of the Izumo class, the largest warships built by Japan since WWII, the Kaga has been refitted at a cost of 115 billion yen (US$758 million) to accommodate Lockheed Martin F-35B fighters. This marks a shift from its initial capacity of carrying up to eight helicopters. The retrofit includes a redesigned bow section and a new heat-resistant deck coating to withstand the F-35B’s engine heat during vertical take-offs and landings.
The operational concept of deploying the Kaga as an aircraft carrier remains under discussion. Ryo Hinata-Yamaguchi, an assistant professor of international relations at the University of Tokyo, pointed out the logistical nuances, given that the F-35Bs, operated by the Air Self-Defence Force, will not be permanently stationed on the Kaga. The carrier’s strategic use, whether for controlling sea areas or supporting amphibious units, is yet to be fully articulated.
Despite its advanced capabilities, analysts remain skeptical about the Kaga’s ability to significantly impact the regional power balance, especially in the face of China’s expanding aircraft carrier fleet. Hinata-Yamaguchi suggested that while the refitted carrier might pose an obstacle to potential territorial ambitions in the South China Sea or the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, it is unlikely to be perceived as a substantial threat by China.
The introduction of the Kaga, along with its sister ship Izumo, into active service underscores Japan’s commitment to reinforcing its maritime defense and enhancing interoperability with allies.
How will F-35 Lightning II enhance Japan’s defense capabilities?
The F-35 Lightning II, especially in its vertical take-off variant deployed on the newly upgraded Kaga aircraft carrier, significantly enhances Japan’s defense capabilities through several key advancements:
Stealth technology: The F-35 is renowned for its stealth capabilities, making it difficult for enemy radars to detect. This allows Japan to conduct surveillance and strikes with a reduced risk of detection by adversaries, providing a strategic advantage in maintaining airspace superiority.
Advanced avionics and sensors: Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and sensor systems, the F-35 can gather and share critical intelligence in real-time. This capability ensures Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have access to comprehensive battlefield awareness, facilitating informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL): The F-35B variant’s VTOL capability enables operations from a variety of platforms, including the Kaga, without the need for traditional runways. This flexibility allows for rapid deployment and repositioning of airpower in response to threats, enhancing Japan’s ability to protect its maritime interests and defend its territory.
Interoperability with allies: The F-35’s integration into Japan’s military furthers interoperability with key allies, notably the United States, who also operate the F-35. This commonality allows for seamless joint operations and strengthens collective defense capabilities in the region.
