Overview

• On August 9, a Royal Navy F-35B from HMS Prince of Wales made the first British landing on Japan’s JS Kaga, joining earlier U.S. Marine Corps touch-downs.
• A British F-35B pilot reported a technical issue on August 10 and safely diverted to Kagoshima Airport, closing the runway for twenty minutes and causing minor flight delays.
• Japan’s Ministry of Defense confirmed the diverted jet was from HMS Prince of Wales, the pilot was unharmed, and the aircraft was moved to a taxiway for inspection.
• Carrier Strike Group 25, comprising HMS Prince of Wales, JS Kaga and U.S. Marine Corps squadrons, will continue joint F-35B training under Operation Highmast until August 12.
• The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has received its first three of forty-two F-35Bs, with full carrier operations planned aboard JS Izumo in 2027 and JS Kaga in 2028.