While U.S. Navy vessels may seem versatile at first glance, each ship is tailored for specific types of aircraft, often requiring upgrades to operate different models. The USS Iwo Jima is a prime example, as it will undergo modifications to facilitate F-35B flight operations. BAE Systems, a significant defense contractor, received a $204.1 million contract in February 2026 to undertake this enhancement.
This project aims to upgrade the ship’s systems for accommodating the F-35s, including enhancements to the flight deck with the necessary support equipment and systems that will back the jets throughout their operations. The work is scheduled to be carried out at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Virginia and is set to start in 2026, concluding by early 2028. The initial deal could see costs escalate to $255 million by the completion of the modifications.
As an amphibious assault ship, the Iwo Jima isn’t alone in receiving upgrades for the F-35B. The USS Essex was adapted in 2016 for this aircraft, while upgrades on the USS Kearsarge were finalized by early 2026. Other ships, such as the USS Boxer, have already been converted, and the USS Bataan is anticipated to be ready by late 2026. Furthermore, some amphibious ships like the USS America were engineered from the outset for F-35B compatibility.
The Strategic Advantage of Amphibious Assault Ships for F-35 Operations
The F-35B, commonly termed the Lightning II, is an aircraft employed by the U.S. Marine Corps and provides an excellent fit for the Navy’s amphibious assault class of ships. This is due to the aircraft’s short-takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, which mean they can launch and land vertically, avoiding the need for runway space that conventional jets typically require. Given that amphibious vessels are smaller than aircraft carriers, utilizing them for F-35 operations becomes practical.
Amphibious assault ships also serve as adaptable platforms for launching and landing F-35B jets. As these aircraft do not rely on traditional airbases for operations, they can provide tactical advantages depending on the mission objectives. The advanced sensors and radar systems on the Lightning II facilitate rapid threat detection, enabling crew members to share crucial data with other vessels and nearby installations instantaneously.
On the other hand, aircraft carriers are primarily engineered for deploying larger aircraft, aimed at broader operational scopes. While their capability is superior in extensive missions, it may be excessive for smaller engagements. In certain scenarios, amphibious assault ships prove to be well-suited for limited conflicts, as demonstrated by Operation Odyssey Lightning in 2016 when the USS Wasp operated as a strategic base for precise strikes on targeted ISIS locations in Libya.
