ThinkTankWeekly

Japan’s Largest Warship Preparing for F-35 B Training with U.S. Marines

USNI | 2026-05-20 | defense

Topics: Indo-Pacific, United States

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English Summary

Japan's largest warship, JS Kaga, is conducting advanced F-35B training drills with U.S. Marines, signaling a major step in the modernization of Japan's naval capabilities. This joint exercise, which involves cross-deck operations and equipment loading, demonstrates the rapid integration of advanced U.S. military hardware into Japan's core assets, including the Izumo-class destroyers. The sustained focus on F-35B operations and the planned modifications to both Kaga and Izumo underscore Japan's commitment to enhancing its operational readiness and projection capabilities. Strategically, this deepens the U.S.-Japan security alliance and significantly increases Japan's military role in regional security frameworks, particularly within the Indo-Pacific theater.

中文摘要

日本最大的軍艦「加賀號」(JS Kaga)與美國海軍陸戰隊進行了先進的F-35B訓練演習,這標誌著日本海軍戰力現代化邁出了重大一步。這場聯合演習涉及跨甲板操作和設備裝載,展示了先進美國軍事硬體快速整合到日本核心資產(包括出雲級驅逐艦)的能力。持續聚焦於F-35B的運作,以及對「加賀號」和「出雲號」的計畫性升級,突顯了日本提升其作戰準備度和戰力投射能力的承諾。從戰略角度來看,此舉深化了美日安全同盟,並顯著提升了日本在區域安全框架,特別是在印太戰區的軍事角色。

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