Izumo-class

The aircraft will eventually see action off refitted Izumo-class light carriers.

Japan is preparing to reconfigure the Izumo to accommodate U.S. stealth fighters, including F-35Bs.

For the second time this month, the two flattops conducted naval drills in the contested waters.

The Vietnamese People’s Navy and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force held a joint naval exercise earlier this week.

The first-of-class JS Izumo made a port call in Vietnam this month, as part of its annual Indo-Pacific deployment.

The U.S. and Japanese carriers jointly participated in a number of naval drills to enhance interoperability between the two navies.

As part of its Indo-Pacific deployment this year, the JS Izumo is slated to make a port call in Vietnam.

Aircraft carriers and F-35B stealth fighters: Japan is incrementally building up its offensive maritime capabilities.

The U.S. president boarded the flattop along with the Japanese prime minister on May 28 wrapping up his Japan trip.

Indian Navy and Japan Maritime Self Defense Force conducted a joint exercise in the Andaman Sea last week.

The U.S. president will likely board the Japanese flattop during a state visit to Japan in late May.