F-35B STOVL Developmental Trials onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth. (JPO)

The Japanese government has announced its intention to acquire as many as 42 Lockheed Martin F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighters, as well as an additional 63 conventional F-35A fighters on top of the 42 F-35As currently on order, to take its total fleet of F-35s to 147 aircraft.

The anticipated announcement was made as part of a larger defence review announced by the Japanese government on December 18. The plan calls for an initial buy of 18 F-35Bs to stand up the capability and to integrate the aircraft with Japan’s two 27,000t Izumo class helicopter destroyers (DDH), JMS Izumo and Kaga.

Other F-35B operators include the US Marine Corps, the UK and Italy, although Italy’s requirement is currently under review. If fulfilled, the order would make Japan the second largest F-35 operator after the US, and would align it with US and allied interests and integrate it with allied capabilities in the region as a counter to China’s regional geo-political and military aspirations.

It would also mark the first time Japan has employed an offensive aircraft carrier capability since the end of WW2.

The JMS Izumo and sister ship Kaga have an 800ft long flight deck and displace about 27,000t fully loaded, about the same as a Canberra class LHD. (JMSDF)