Japan's largest warship is evolving from a submarine hunter into a fixed-wing carrier

Wars & Conflicts · Published 9 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The JS Kaga, a 27,000-ton vessel, is undergoing a massive transformation. Originally built to track enemy submarines, this Izumo-class ship is being refitted to launch F-35B stealth fighters. As Japan bolsters its maritime presence, this carrier represents a significant shift in the nation's post-World War II naval capabilities.

Commissioned in 2017, the JS Kaga was initially designed as a multi-purpose destroyer to replace the aging Shirane-class ships. At 814 feet long, she holds the title of the most substantial vessel currently operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. While her primary mission was once anti-submarine warfare, her design always hinted at broader potential. By 2010, reports suggested that early specifications were crafted to eventually support fixed-wing aircraft like the V-22 Osprey and the F-35 Lightning II.

The current conversion process is a response to rising regional tensions, particularly regarding the Senkaku Islands. This multi-year overhaul, which began in 2022, involves extensive structural changes, including a redesigned bow to accommodate the F-35B short take-off and vertical landing variant. Unlike traditional supercarriers, the Kaga utilizes a long, flat flight deck without a ski-jump ramp, a configuration similar to American amphibious assault ships. The first phase of this modification was finalized in early 2024, with a second interior refit expected to conclude by the end of fiscal year 2027.

The strategic importance of this upgrade is underscored by Japan's broader defense investments. In 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe authorized a five-year defense budget exceeding US$238 billion, which covers both the carrier refits and the procurement of 147 F-35 fighters. To validate these capabilities, the Kaga conducted developmental tests with US Navy F-35B aircraft off the California coast in late 2024. Beyond her military utility, the ship has become a cultural touchstone, appearing in popular media like the Kantai Collection franchise and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, reflecting her status as a symbol of Japan's evolving naval posture.

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