Japan’s MoD published its 2020 Defense White Paper today and in the section on the F-35B, has confirmed that the stealth fighter will operate from the Izumo-class helicopter destroyer.
The paper says this is in response to the new security environment and to protect Japan’s air and sea approaches.
Japan previously announced plans to convert JS Izumo and her sister Kaga, of the Izumo ‘helicopter destroyer’ class, into light aircraft carriers capable of operating F-35B jets.
The country also recently increased its order of F-35s, including 42 F-35Bs, making the country the second-largest operator behind the United States, a spot previously held by the United Kingdom.
Japan; MoD confirms F-35B basing aboard helicopter carriers