JMSDF releases first photos of JS Izumo’s new rectangular flight deck as second-phase modifications progress, advancing its conversion into an F-35B “Lightning Service.”
The Japan Maritime Self-Protection Pressure (JMSDF) launched on Apr. 20, 2026, new images of the JS Izumo helicopter service, the lead ship of her class, with a brand new rectangular deck. That is a part of in depth modifications underway since two years to transform the vessel right into a “Lightning Service” able to working the F-35B Lightning II Brief Take-Off Vertical Touchdown (STOVL) fighter.
The X publish by the JMSDF Floor Fleet stated: “The escort vessel ‘Izumo’ has reached a milestone within the modification work to change the bow form associated to its particular refit, and took a commemorative photograph with these concerned. Preparations are steadily progressing towards completion.”
This Izumo is within the second section of its refurbishment program underway on the Japan Marine United’s (JMU) Isogo Shipyard in Yokohama Metropolis. The JMSDF had beforehand stated that the brand new modifications, which embrace a whole redesign and extension of the bow, ahead part and flight deck, help steady quick take-off and touchdown operations with the brand new fighter.
護衛艦「いずも」は、特別改造に係る艦首形状の改修工事の節目を迎え、関係者と記念撮影を行いました。完工に向け着々と準備が進みます。#いずも #水上艦隊 pic.twitter.com/sDFkNDARfF
— 海上自衛隊 水上艦隊【公式】 (@JMSDF_SUF) April 19, 2026
Izumo’s sister ship, the JS Kaga, obtained the brand new rectangular flight deck changing the earlier trapezoidal one which tapered in the direction of the bow. The service first unveiled the modification in April 2024, together with a number of different modifications, which allowed the ship to function with each U.S. Marine Corps and British F-35Bs on board.
Visitors Information experiences the refurbishment of the JS Izumo is anticipated to be concluded by 2027. The F-35Bs, though belonging to the Japan Air Self-Protection Pressure (JASDF), will function off the JMSDF’s JS Izumo and JS Kaga, as the 2 companies work on fielding the 2 warships and buying the complete fleet of 42 STOVL fighters.
JS Kaga and JS Izumo modifications
To make use of the F-35B, the Izumo-class Touchdown Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious assault ships JS Izumo and JS Kaga are present process in depth modifications each on the higher flight deck, a serious a part of the hull and inner compartments.
The work on the Kaga commenced in March 2022 at Hiroshima’s Kure shipyard. The JMSDF then launched photos after the rework on Apr. 6, 2024, displaying a brand new rectangular flight deck changing the unique trapezoidal one.
The primary particular modification work on the destroyer ”KAGA” was accomplished as deliberate on March 29.The JMSDF will proceed to systematically perform the mandatory modifications to the “IZUMO” class destroyer so as to purchase the operational functionality of the F-35B. pic.twitter.com/JTaLkjRWu5
— Japan Maritime Self-Protection Pressure (@jmsdf_pao_eng) April 6, 2024
Within the first section of its modification, the Kaga’s flight deck additionally obtained heat-resistant materials on its flight deck to tolerate the warmth of the F-35B’s vectored thrust engine; new lights for nighttime operations; centerline marking (tramline) alongside the flight deck; and inner compartments and infrastructure to assist F-35B operations, like magazines storing the jet’s munitions.
The Izumo would obtain the identical sort of modifications, with the primary section accomplished in June 2021 on the identical JMU shipyard, aligned with the ship’s periodic refit, restore and overhaul cycles. The reconstruction’s second section has largely caught to the timeline, anticipated to start between late 2024 and early 2025.
こっちはカメラで撮影した 護衛艦いずも(JMSDF Izumo DDH-183 >CVM-183)
護衛艦 かが との違いは…艤装中なのでまだわかりませんでした pic.twitter.com/XG15HNBa4t
— ( ｡･㉨･｡)ฅ (@Gov_Vessel_fan) April 17, 2026
Photos revealed on Apr. 17 by impartial photographers present that JS Izumo emerged from the dry dock, earlier than berthing alongside the pier, earlier than the official photos had been launched. Experiences from Japan have additionally cited an Oct. 28, 2024, Ministry of Protection (MoD) Protection Instruction No. 317 introducing a brand new designation for the modified former helicopter carriers, referred to as “CVM”, which stands for Cruiser Voler Multipurpose.
MoD and JMSDF officers have additionally clarified that “CVM” has no relation to the U.S. Navy’s “CVN” designation for plane carriers, and it doesn’t imply that the JZ Izumo and JS Kaga are plane carriers themselves. Each the ships nonetheless carry the designation DDH (Destroyer Helicopter) – JZ Izumo (DDH-183) and JS Kaga (DDH-184).
The brand new CVM classification could be assigned after each vessels attain Preliminary Operational Functionality (IOC) with the F-35B Lightning IIs.
JMSDF making ready for F-35B operations
As talked about, the Izumo, together with its sister ship Kaga, was being ready for a serious change of function and to start working as a “Lightning Service,” with the conversion works presently within the closing phases. The idea envisages utilizing the large helicopter service ship as a vessel carrying solely F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters, given their STOVL functionality.
護衛艦「いずも」(JS Izumo, DDH-183)、甲板にSH60を搭載したまま、逸見岸壁に戻ってきました。ご苦労さまでした。 pic.twitter.com/6g1ou13AzP
— MICHIYA MURATA (@MICHIYAM) June 25, 2024
In 2021, the Izumo held the preliminary F-35B STOVL testing with the assistance of the USMC, which despatched its Japan-based plane to conduct flight operations on the ship. Previous to that take a look at, the JS Kaga had obtained a brand new bow as part of the modifications.
One other main occasion with the F-35B happened on Oct. 20, 2024, when a specifically instrumented Lightning II from the Air Check and Analysis Squadron Two Three (VX-23) landed on the JS Kaga off the coast of southern California. Together with the F-35B from the VX-23, a group from the F-35 Pax ITF (Pax River Built-in Check Pressure) additionally launched into the ship in San Diego to assist the testing, much like the trials on the British and Italian carriers.
F-35Bが現地時間10月20日15時ごろ、初の着艦に成功！！🛩⚓ @USNavy @USMC
矩形の飛行甲板となった護衛艦「#かが」は #F35B の艦上運用に必要な諸元を収集するため、🇺🇸サンディエゴ沖にて米海軍及び米海兵隊の支援を得て所要の試験を実施中です！#自由で開かれたインド太平洋 pic.twitter.com/ar7tVYhSEc
— 防衛省 海上自衛隊 (@JMSDF_PAO) October 21, 2024
The JMSDF has additionally been cooperating with the UK’s Royal Navy to study and put together for F-35B operations in assist of its “Lightning service” idea. This led to British F-35Bs touchdown on the JS Kaga for the primary time in August 2025, throughout the Royal Navy’s CSG25 deployment.
The general cooperation effort lays the groundwork for the high-tech sixth era International Fight Air Program (GCAP) being pursued by Tokyo, London and Rome.
