US F-35B fighter jet makes 1st landing on Japanese destroyer

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - The US military’s F35B stealth fighter jet has made the first landing on a Japanese destroyer, in a sign of increasing defense cooperation and interoperability between the two allies.

The fighter jet made a vertical test landing on destroyer Kaga in waters off San Diego, Tokyo-based Kyodo News reported quoting Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) on Monday.

It is part of efforts to turn the Kaga, an Izumo-class destroyer, into a full-fledged aircraft carrier. The exercise is slated to continue through Nov. 18.

In collaboration with the US Navy and Marine Corps, the MSDF will confirm whether the F-35B can take off without problems from the Japanese vessel, which underwent major renovation work in March, as well as the procedures for storing aircraft in its hangar, taxiing, fueling and maintenance.

In 2021, Tokyo conducted landing and takeoff tests of the F-35B on another destroyer, the Izumo.

Both Izumo and Kaga have already been designated by the Japanese government for conversion into aircraft carriers.