Japan Navy's JS Kaga Conducts First Operational Mission as Light Aircraft Carrier in Philippine Sea.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF - Japanese Navy) has reached a significant milestone as the newly converted Izumo-class multi-functional destroyer JS Kaga (DDH-184) begins its first operational mission as a light aircraft carrier. This deployment takes place during Pacific Stellar 2025, a major naval exercise running until February 18 in the Philippine Sea, where Kaga is operating alongside the U.S. Navy Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) and the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG). The event marks a turning point for Japan’s naval capabilities, demonstrating its growing ability to project air power at sea and operate in joint carrier operations with key allies.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

JS Kaga (DDH-184) of the Japanese Navy sails at the center of a multinational carrier formation alongside the U.S. Navy's USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and the French Navy's FS Charles de Gaulle (R91) during the Pacific Stellar 2025 naval exercise in the Philippine Sea, showcasing Japan's new carrier capabilities. (Picture source: U.S. DoD)

Initially commissioned in 2017 as a helicopter-carrying destroyer, JS Kaga of the JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force- Japanese Navy) has undergone extensive modifications to support fixed-wing short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft, primarily the F-35B Lightning II. These modifications include reinforcing the flight deck to withstand the extreme heat and pressure of vertical landings, improving deck markings to accommodate STOVL aircraft operations, upgrading the hangar and ammunition storage to fit modern fighter jets, and integrating advanced aviation control systems for seamless air operations. These changes have transformed Kaga from a helicopter carrier into a fully functional light aircraft carrier, significantly enhancing JMSDF's force projection capabilities.

A key moment in this transformation occurred on October 20, 2024, when, according to information published by the U.S. Department of Defense, an F-35B Lightning II fighter jet from Air Test and Evaluation Squadron Two Three (VX-23) successfully landed on JS Kaga’s deck off the coast of southern California. This marked the first time an F-35B operated from a Japanese vessel, validating the modifications made to the ship. The sea trials confirmed Kaga’s ability to operate the F-35B and paved the way for its integration into Japan’s naval doctrine.

JS Kaga can now carry up to 12 F-35B fighter jets, significantly enhancing Japan’s air combat capabilities at sea. Japan has committed to acquiring 42 F-35B aircraft, with an initial purchase of eight aircraft in 2019 as part of a broader plan to modernize its defense forces. The F-35B is the STOVL variant of the F-35 Lightning II, designed for operations from amphibious assault ships and light aircraft carriers. It features stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and the ability to conduct strike missions, electronic warfare, and intelligence gathering.

As part of the Pacific Stellar 2025 naval exercise—running until February 18—JS Kaga is operating alongside the U.S. Navy Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (VINCSG) and the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in a multi-national carrier task force. This exercise underscores Japan’s increasing role in regional security and power projection in the Indo-Pacific, especially amidst rising geopolitical tensions.

The U.S. Navy Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group includes the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton (CG 59), and the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Sterett (DDG 104) and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110). The French Carrier Strike Group is led by the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle (R 91), escorted by air-defense destroyers and multi-mission frigates. The JMSDF contingent includes JS Kaga and the Akizuki-class destroyer JS Akizuki (DD 115). Logistics support is provided by the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199) and the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Charles Drew (T-AKE 10).

JS Kaga’s first operational mission as a light aircraft carrier signals a major shift in Japan’s defense posture. Previously, Japan maintained a self-imposed restriction on operating "offensive" military assets in line with its post-World War II pacifist constitution. However, growing regional threats, including China’s expanding naval influence and North Korea’s missile advancements, have prompted Japan to reinterpret its defense strategy.

The integration of JS Kaga with the Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group enhances interoperability between JMSDF and U.S. Navy carrier operations, improving Japan’s ability to respond to regional threats. By fielding F-35B-capable carriers, Japan extends its power projection beyond its home islands, reinforcing regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. Moreover, Japan’s participation alongside the French Carrier Strike Group highlights its growing role in international maritime security and its deepening defense partnerships with NATO allies.

The successful deployment of JS Kaga as a light aircraft carrier in Pacific Stellar 2025 marks a transformational moment for JMSDF and Japan’s broader security policy. This development strengthens Japan’s deterrence posture, improves interoperability with allied naval forces, and enhances regional maritime security in the face of emerging challenges. As JS Kaga continues its carrier-based operations, its role in future multinational exercises and real-world contingencies will be closely watched by both allies and adversaries.