Japan releases images of refitted Izumo-class carrier

JS
Kaga
, seen here during its sea trials post-refit.
(JMSDF)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has released post-refit images of its Izumo-class helicopter carrier JS
Kaga
, which has been modified for F-35B aircraft operations.

These images were released by the service’s Escort Flotilla 4 via its official social media page between 25 and 27 December and were taken during the vessel’s post-refit sea trials, it added.

Kaga
is the second of two Izumo-class helicopter carriers operated by the JMSDF. First-of-class JS
Izumo
was commissioned in March 2015 while
Kaga
was inducted in March 2017.

The 248 m class was conceived as helicopter carriers but has been built with weight and strength considerations for the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft.

In March 2022 a JMSDF spokesperson confirmed to
Janes
that Japan Marine United (JMU) has begun refit works on
Kaga
at the company’s Kure shipyard in Kure City, Hiroshima.