A British pilot has made aviation history by successfully landing an F-35 jet aboard a Japanese ship, marking the first time an F-35 operated by a UK pilot has ever touched down on a Japanese vessel. Lieutenant Commander Baker, a seasoned pilot in the Royal Navy, executed the historic landing on a platform belonging to the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) during a joint training exercise, underscoring the growing defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Japan.
The landing took place on the JMSDF’s helicopter carrier, the JS Izumo, one of Japan’s largest warships, which has been recently modified to operate F-35B fighter jets. The Izumo is a key part of Japan’s naval fleet, designed to enhance the country’s capabilities in air defense and maritime security. The F-35B variant, with its ability to take off and land vertically, is well-suited for operations aboard ships like the Izumo, which can accommodate these advanced stealth fighters.
This milestone comes as part of a broader strategy of deepening defense ties between the UK and Japan, two nations that share a commitment to ensuring security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Both countries are increasingly working together on joint military operations and defense technologies, and this successful F-35 landing represents a significant step forward in their defense relationship.
Lieutenant Commander Baker’s landing is a testament to the interoperability of advanced military technology, highlighting the UK’s capabilities in operating the F-35 in diverse environments. The Royal Navy’s F-35B fleet, which is part of the UK’s carrier strike group, has proven highly effective in conducting complex operations, both on land and at sea.
The exercise also demonstrates the growing role of Japan as a key partner in regional security operations, with the JMSDF becoming more involved in international defense initiatives. The JS Izumo and its complement of F-35Bs are central to Japan’s expanding defense posture, especially as tensions in the Indo-Pacific region continue to rise.
For both the UK and Japan, this achievement further strengthens their partnership in military aviation and demonstrates their shared commitment to enhancing the operational capabilities of their armed forces. As F-35 operations continue to evolve, this historic landing paves the way for future joint exercises, expanded defense cooperation, and increased interoperability between the two nations’ advanced military fleets.
This landmark event also reinforces the global importance of the F-35 program, which has become a cornerstone of modern naval aviation. With its stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and versatility, the F-35 is increasingly becoming a key asset for allied forces around the world, and this successful landing on a Japanese ship is a clear indicator of its potential to transform naval operations globally.