The Diplomat: Trump Tours JS Kaga, Izumo Class Carrier

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Trump Tours Japan’s Izumo-Class Carrier Hailing its Future F-35B Capability
By Franz-Stefan Gady
May 28, 2019

https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/trump-tours-japans-izumo-class-carrier-hailing-its-future-f-35b-capability/

Trump in his speech, also referenced the conversion of the Izumo-class into full-fledged aircraft carriers capable of launching the F-35B, the vertical or short takeoffs and vertical landings (STOVL) variant of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, as well as Japan’s decision to procure an extra 105 F-35s from the United States.

“Soon this very ship will be upgraded to carry this cutting-edge aircraft, Trump said. “With this extraordinary new equipment, the Kaga will help our nations defend against a range of complex threats in the region and far beyond.”

Notably, the U.S. president was expected to board the JS Kaga’s sister ship, the first-of-class JS Izumo during a state visit to Japan in October 2017. However, the visit did not take place.

Trump on May 28 also visited the nearby U.S. Yokosuka Naval Base, where he boarded the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Wasp...

Some of the historical ironies; the Kaga is named after the lead carrier in the strike on Pearl Harbor. The original Kaga was sunk in June 1942 near Midway Atoll during the Battle of Midway. One of the Wasp's predecessors was destroyed by the Japanese in WWII. "USS Wasp (CV-7) was a United States Navy aircraft carrier commissioned in 1940 and lost in action in 1942. "

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1. Japan F-35 purchases

Winter also noted that in December, Japan announced that it plans to purchase an additional 105 aircraft. That will include 63 F-35As and 42 F-35B short take-off and vertical landing platforms. Lockheed Martin and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries operate a final assembly and check-out facility, or FACO, in Nagoya.

“With this anticipated purchase, Japan will be the largest international customer of F-35s with 147 planned aircraft,” Winter said.

http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/articles/2019/5/24/international-market-for-f-35-heats-up