A US F-35 stealth fighter just landed on a destroyer Japan turned into an aircraft carrier for the first time off the California coast

The developmental test involved a pilot flying “a specially instrumented F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the 5th generation air system” before touching down around 3:15pm, per a US military statement. The F-35 is a fifth-generation stealth aircraft manufactured by Lockheed Martin.

Japan’s JS Kaga arrived in San Diego in September to work with US forces on integrating the F-35 onto the newly converted ship. The Kaga, previously a helicopter carrier technically identified as a destroyer, finished its conversion into a flattop capable of launching and recovering F-35Bs in April.

The modifications include a deck painted with heat-resistant material to withstand the F-35B variant’s vector-thrust engines, lights for nighttime operations, and a reshaped flight deck.

Japan has been dramatically overhauling its Self-Defense Force since October 2021, creating its first amphibious military unit and developing its first aircraft carriers since World War II.

The Kaga resembles the “lightning carrier” design that the US Navy have explored with some of its big-deck amphibious assault ships, such as the USS Bataan, which previously engaged in combat against the Houthis in the Red Sea.

For Japan, the upgrades not only represent ongoing and increased US-Japanese cooperation but also a new military capability as China continues its military buildup and engages in aggressive behavior in the South and East China Seas. 

The US is also working with Japan on new defense technology, including hypersonic missile defenses. There have been discussions about involving Tokyo in the trilateral Australia, UK, and US AUKUS partnership as well.