Japan is acquiring the Raytheon Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS) system for its Izumo helicopter carrier. The system will strengthen Japan’s efforts to employ the ship as an aircraft carrier with Lockheed Martin F-35Bs. This photograph shows a US Marine Corps F-35B taking off from the Izumo during interoperability trials in October 2021. (US Marine Corps)

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) is in the process of procuring a Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS) for its Izumo – class helicopter carrier.

The system would allow Japan to operate Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II fighters from the ship.

In a statement on 7 February, the US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) said that the US Navy (USN), in partnership with JMSDF representatives, awarded a JPY1.13 billion (USD8.6 million) Foreign Military Sales (FMS) in December 2022 to Raytheon Intelligence & Space for the procurement and delivery of a JPALS unit.

The JPALS is scheduled to be deployed on the JMSDF’s JS Izumo in 2024, NAVAIR added.